Glossary - V

Vagal (VAY-gal)

pertaining to the vagus nerve, which supplies sensory connections to the ear, tongue, and pharynx

 

Vagotomy (vay-GAH-tuh-mee)

An operation to cut the vagus nerve. This causes the stomach to make less acid.

 

Vagus Nerve (VAY-gus nurv)

The nerve in the stomach that controls the making of stomach acid.

 

Vasculitis

inflammation of a blood vessel.

 

Vasoconstriction

a narrowing of the blood vessels.

Vasodilation

a widening of the blood vessels.

 

Vestibular System (ves- TIB-you-lahr)

the organ of the inner ear containing several three semicircular ducts at right angles to one another; helps keep the body balanced

 

Villi (VIL-eye)

The tiny, fingerlike projections on the surface of the small intestine. Villi help absorb nutrients.

Vinca Alkaloid

a pharmacologically-active substance (e.g., vinblastine and vincristine) obtained from the genus Vinca , which includes the periwinkles.

 

Viral Hepatitis (VY-rul heh-puh-TY-tis)

Hepatitis caused by a virus. Five different viruses (A, B, C, D, and E) most commonly cause this form of hepatitis. Other rare viruses may also cause hepatitis. See Hepatitis.

Viremia

the presence of virus in the bloodstream.

 

Virion

a mature infectious virus particle existing outside a cell.

 

Virus

a microorganism composed of a piece of genetic material -- RNA or DNA -- surrounded by a protein coat. To replicate, a virus must infect a cell and direct its cellular machinery to produce new viruses.

 

Volvulus (VAHLV-yoo-lus)

A twisting of the stomach or large intestine. May be caused by the stomach being in the wrong position, a foreign substance, or abnormal joining of one part of the stomach or intestine to another. Volvulus can lead to blockage, perforation, peritonitis, and poor blood flow.