V

VAGINA: Part of the female genitalia, the canal extending from the vulva to the cervix uteri. image

VALVE: A membraneous structure within a tube that prevents the return flow of the contents passing through it. The veins of the extremities have valves.image

VALLECULA: A furrow located on the lateral and median glossoepiglottic folds. image

VENA CAVA: The large venous channels that return blood to the heart. There is a superior vena cava (SVC above the heart - draining the head and upper extremities) and an inferior vena cava (IVC - below the heart, draining everything else).
image image image

VENOGRAM: A radiograph or other image of veins, usually obtained by injecting a radiopaque liquid contrast material into a vein. Leg venograms are done to r/o DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) that can cause pulmonary embolism. image image image image

VENTRAL: Being or located near, on, or toward the front or anterior part of the human body.

VENTRICLE: A fluid-filled cavity. The heart has a right and left ventricle filled with blood. The brain has four ventricles: the two lateral, and the midline third and fourth - filled with cerebrospinal fluid. image

VERTEBRAL ARTERY: Originating at the subclavian artery, passing vertically through the transverse foramina of the vertebrae, and providing branches for the spinal and muscular rami, anterior spinal artery, and posterior inferior cerebellar artery, before joining with the opposite side to form the basilar artery. image

VERTEBRAL BODY: Only the main round, anterior portion of the vertebrae should be called the body. The part from which the other processes extend. However, often incorrectly used as a nickname for the entire vertebra. image
Fx Vertebrae
Fx Vertebrae

VESTIBULE: (of Ear) The oval cavity within the bony laryrinth that is a confluence for the vestibular endolymphatic channels (semicircular canals). image
NOTE: There are other vestibules, e.g. for the vagina.

VITREOUS BODY: The inner part of the eyeball located between the iris and retina that is made up of a transparent gel (actually a living tissue). Also known as the vitreous humour. The aqueous humour is the watery liquid between the cornea and the iris, in the anterior chamber of the eye.
NOTE: The eye has the wettest tissue in the body - vitreous; and, the dryest tissue - the lens of the globe. image

VOCAL CORDS: Above the trachea, there are two pairs of fibromuscular "cords" - superiorly are the false cords, and inferiorly the true vocal cords. Between them is the laryngeal ventricle. Adduction (bringing together) the true cords causes vibration in the air column - speech or phonation. Abduction moves the cords apart. image


Bug Report
Portions © 1997, 2002 J.G. Smirniotopoulos, M.D. and others.