Vagus Nerve
/ˈveɪɡəs nɜːrv/
The tenth cranial nerve, which interfaces with the parasympathetic control of the heart, lungs, and digestive tract.
Valves
/vælvz/
Structures in the heart or veins that temporarily close to ensure fluid flows in only one direction.
Vasoconstriction
/ˌveɪzoʊkənˈstrɪkʃən/
The constriction of blood vessels, which increases blood pressure.
Vasodilation
/ˌveɪzoʊdaɪˈleɪʃən/
The dilatation of blood vessels, which decreases blood pressure.
Vein
/veɪn/
Blood vessels that carry blood toward the heart; most carry deoxygenated blood.
Ventral
/ˈvɛntrəl/
Relating to the animal's front or soft underbelly; opposite of dorsal.
Ventricle
/ˈvɛntrɪkəl/
A hollow part or cavity in an organ, specifically the two main lower chambers of the heart or the cavities in the brain.
Venule
/ˈvɛnjuːl/
A very small vein, especially one collecting blood from the capillaries.
Vertebral Column
/ˈvɜːrtɪbrəl ˈkɒləm/
The sequence of vertebrae from the skull to the pelvis, forming the main support of the body; the backbone.
Vestibule
/ˈvɛstɪˌbjuːl/
The central part of the bony labyrinth in the inner ear, situated between the cochlea and the semicircular canals.
Villus
/ˈvɪləs/
Small, finger-like projections that extend into the small intestine to increase surface area for nutrient absorption.
Visceral
/ˈvɪsərəl/
Relating to the internal organs in the main cavities of the body, especially those in the abdomen.
Vital Capacity
/ˈvaɪtəl kəˈpæsɪti/
The maximum amount of air a person can expel from the lungs after a maximum inhalation.
Vitamin
/ˈvaɪtəmɪn/
Organic compounds that are essential in small amounts for normal physiological function but cannot be synthesized by the body.
Vitreous Humor
/ˈvɪtriəs ˈhjuːmər/
The transparent jelly-like tissue filling the eyeball behind the lens.