Vagina
/vəˈdʒaɪnə/
The muscular tube leading from the external genitals to the cervix of the uterus.
Vagus
/ˈveɪɡəs/
The tenth cranial nerve, which interfaces with parasympathetic control of the heart, lungs, and digestive tract.
Vallate
/ˈvæleɪt/
Large, cup-shaped papillae on the back of the tongue containing taste buds.
Valve
/vælv/
A device that allows fluid to flow in only one direction, such as those in the heart or veins.
Vas
/væs/
A vessel or duct, specifically the vas deferens in the male reproductive system.
Vascular
/ˈvæskjʊlər/
Relating to, affecting, or consisting of a vessel or vessels, especially those which carry blood.
Vastus Lateralis
/ˈvæstəs ˌlætəˈrælɪs/
The largest and most lateral part of the quadriceps femoris muscle in the thigh.
Vastus Medialis
/ˈvæstəs ˌmiːdiˈælɪs/
The most medial part of the quadriceps muscle, located just above the knee.
Vein
/veɪn/
Blood vessels that carry blood toward the heart.
Vellus
/ˈvɛləs/
Short, fine, light-colored hair that develops on most of a person's body.
Vena Cava
/ˈviːnə ˈkeɪvə/
Large veins (superior and inferior) that return deoxygenated blood to the right atrium of the heart.
Venter
/ˈvɛntər/
The belly; or the wide, fleshy part of a muscle.
Ventral
/ˈvɛntrəl/
Relating to the front or anterior part of the body.
Ventricle
/ˈvɛntrɪkəl/
A hollow part or cavity in an organ, specifically the lower chambers of the heart or cavities in the brain.
Venule
/ˈvɛnjuːl/
A very small vein, especially one collecting blood from the capillaries.
Vermis
/ˈvɜːrmɪs/
The rounded and elongated central part of the cerebellum, between the two hemispheres.
Vertebra
/ˈvɜːrtɪbrə/
Each of the series of small bones forming the backbone (plural: vertebrae).
Vertex
/ˈvɜːrtɛks/
The highest point of the skull; the crown.
Vesicle
/ˈvɛsɪkəl/
A small fluid-filled bladder, sac, or vacuole within the body.
Vestibule
/ˈvɛstɪbjuːl/
A chamber or channel communicating with or opening into another (e.g., in the inner ear or vulva).
Vestibulocochlear
/vɛˌstɪbjʊloʊˈkɒkliər/
The eighth cranial nerve, responsible for hearing and balance.
Villus
/ˈvɪləs/
Small, finger-like projections on the surface of the small intestine that increase surface area for absorption.
Viscera
/ˈvɪsərə/
The internal organs in the main cavities of the body, especially those in the abdomen.
Vitreous
/ˈvɪtriəs/
The clear gel that fills the space between the lens and the retina of the eyeball.
Vocal Cords
/ˈvoʊkəl kɔːrdz/
Folds of membranous tissue in the larynx that vibrate to produce sound.
Vomer
/ˈvoʊmər/
The small, thin bone separating the left and right nasal cavities.
Vulva
/ˈvʌlvə/
The female external genitals.