Category: V

Amount of virus present in a person’s blood; usually measured by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method; measures severity of a viral infection. The result is given in number of virus particles per milliliter of blood. Currently, routine testing is available for HIV-1, cytomegalovirus, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus. Determination of viral load…

Vibrissae, a stiff coarse hair, especially that in the front part of the nostrils that helps filter inhaled air. A stiff coarse hair, especially one of the stiff hairs that lie just inside the nostrils. They filter foreign substances from inhaled air.  

Inflammation of the seminal vesicle, usually occurring with prostatitis. Inflammation of a vesicle, particularly the seminal vesicle. Inflammation affecting a vesicle, particularly a seminal vesicle.  

Abnormal backflow of urine from the bladder to the ureters, caused by congenital defect, obstruction of the bladder outlet, or urinary tract infection. Treatment depends on the cause.  

Bulging of the bladder into another part. Hernia of the bladder into the vagina. A bladder hernia, also known as a cystocele, is a condition where the bladder prolapses or falls out of its normal position. It is most commonly observed in women, particularly those whose vaginal support muscles have been weakened by multiple childbirths.…

Serious disturbance in cardiac rhythm, characterized by disorganized impulse conduction and ventricular contraction. Unconsciousness occurs and death may follow within minutes if defibrillation and other life-saving measures are not immediately provided. Rapid but ineffective movements of the ventricles of the heart that replace coordinated contractions, resulting in grossly diminished cardiac output. Grossly abnormal heartbeat, sometimes…

Localized dilation or saccular protrusion on the wall of the left ventricle of the heart occurring after a myocardial infarction. An inflated protrusion in the wall of the left ventricle of the heart (the chamber responsible for circulating oxygen-rich blood throughout the body). Typically arising from a myocardial infarction (heart attack), ventricular aneurysm can subsequently…

Ventres, belly-like part, as the bulging part of a muscle. The abdominal region. Any part resembling a rounded or belly-shaped structure, such as the contractile segment of a muscle.  

Any of several sinuses that collect blood from the dura mater covering the brain and drain it into the internal jugular veins. A large-capacity vessel that carries venous blood. Important venous sinuses are those of the dura mater draining the brain and those of the spleen.  

Stress exerted by the circulating blood on the walls of the veins. The pressure of the blood within the veins. It is highest near the periphery, diminishing progressively from capillaries to the heart. Near the heart the venous pressure may be below zero (negative pressure) owing to negative intrathoracic pressure. The pressure of blood inside…