Glossary

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V

Vaginosis:
Bacterial vaginosis involves the abnormal increased growth of certain bacteria in the vagina.

Valine:
An essential amino acid.

Variable expressivity:
Varying manifestation of a genetic trait. The term "expressivity" refers to the degree to which a hereditary trait appears in an individual. Thus, in individuals with a gene mutation for an autosomal dominant disorder that has variable expressivity, the specific characteristics that are manifested may vary in range and degree from mild to severe.

Vascular:
Pertaining to or containing blood vessels.

Vasoconstrictor:
A chemical substance whose actions result in the narrowing of blood vessels.

Vasodilator:
A chemical substance whose actions cause an increase in the diameter of blood vessels.

Vasomotor:
Pertaining to the muscles and nerves that control blood vessel diameter, thereby regulating or modulating blood pressure.

Ventral Intermediate (VIM) Nucleus:
A specific region of the thalamus. This area of the brain is involved in the control of movement and is the "target" area for thalamotomy and deep brain stimulation when treating patients with tremor.

Ventriculography:
Brain imaging method that uses an injected dye and X-rays to visualize the brain's ventricles (cavities)

Veterans Administration (VA) Benefits:
Benefits given by the federal government to people who have been in “active” service in the military, naval, or air service (veterans, not career officials) and, under certain conditions, to their family members. These benefits include pensions, educational stipends and health care, among others. Veterans can receive VA health care services only at VA facilities. (See also Department of Veteran's Affairs.)

Virulent:
Referring to or characterized by virulence or the degree to which an invading microorganism, such as a bacterium or virus, is able to produce disease. Measures of virulence may be based upon the microorganism's ability to invade bodily tissues and the severity of the disease produced.

Visual-analog scale:
This linear scale allows responses on a continuum.

Vomiting Center:
Term referring to an area of the brain where the nausea and vomiting reflex may be triggered by some medications.

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Document last modified: 05/31/08 12:33:00 AM