Glossary

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V

Vaccination - a form of immunization in which killed or weakened microorganisms are placed into the body, where antibodies against them are developed; if the same types of microorganisms enter the body again, they will be destroyed by the antibodies

Vaccine - a preparation of weakened microorganisms given to create resistance to a certain disease

Vacuum aspiration - removal of the contents of the uterus using a suction device

Vacuum extraction - a technique used to facilitate childbirth using a suction device to help move the baby through the birth canal

Vagina - the muscular passage connecting the uterus with the outside genitals; a component of the female reproductive system

Vaginismus - an involuntary muscle spasm at the opening of the vagina when sexual intercourse is attempted; can be quite painful and may make sexual intercourse nearly impossible

Vaginitis - inflammation of the vagina, which can be the result of infection, aging, a hormone deficiency, or a foreign object (such as a tampon)

Valve - a structure that allows fluid flow in only one direction

Varicocele - the appearance of varicose veins around the testicles; commonly occurs and is harmless, but may cause discomfort

Vasectomy - a usually permanent method of sterilization in which the tubes carrying sperm from the testicles (the vas deferens) are cut and tied off; as a result, the semen will no longer contain sperm

VD - see Venereal disease

Vein - a blood vessel that carries blood toward the heart

Venereal disease - any disease that is usually spread through sexual intercourse or genital contact

Vernix - the thick, greasy substance that covers the skin of a newborn baby

Version - a shift in the position of the fetus inside of the uterus, either occurring naturally or as performed by a doctor to facilitate delivery

Vertex presentation - the usual, head-first presentation of the fetus during delivery

Vestibular glands - two small glands located at the opening of the vagina that secrete a lubricating fluid during sexual stimulation

Viral - a term describing something related to or caused by a virus

Viremia - the presence of viruses in the blood

Virilization - the process by which a woman develops male characteristics; caused by overproduction of male sex hormones

Virus - the smallest known disease-causing microorganism; viruses are very simple in structure and can only multiply when they are inside the cell of another organism

Vitamin A - a vitamin essential for normal growth and development of the body (most notably the bones and teeth), protection of mucous membranes from infection, normal vision, and healthy skin and hair

Vitamin B complex - a group of vitamins including thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, biotin, and folic acid; plays a variety of important roles in the body, including in hormone production, metabolism, and functioning of the nerves, muscle, heart, and digestive system

Vitamin B6 - a vitamin that plays an important role in the breakdown and use of energy sources, production of red blood cells and antibodies, and normal functioning of the nervous system

Vitamin B12 - a vitamin that is essential to the production of DNA (the genetic material in cells) and red blood cells and in the functioning of the nervous system

Vitamin C - a vitamin with many essential roles, including in maintaining healthy bones, teeth, gums, ligaments, and blood vessels and in the immune system's response to infection

Vitamin D - a vitamin that plays a role in the absorption of calcium by the intestines and is essential for healthy bones and teeth

Vitamin E - a vitamin that protects tissues from damage by oxygen free radicals, helps to form red blood cells, maintains the function of enzymes, and maintains cell structure

Vitamin K - a vitamin that is essential for normal blood clotting and the body's absorption of calcium

Vitamins - complex substances that are necessary in small amounts to maintain health and ensure proper development and functioning of the body

Von Willebrand's disease - a genetic disorder characterized by excessive bleeding

V/Q lung scans - images produced by radionuclide scanning of the lungs; used to help diagnose a pulmonary embolism

Vulva - the outer, visible portion of the female genitals

Vulvitis - inflammation of the vulva

Vulvovaginitis - inflammation of the vulva and vagina

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