Dictionary

vertebra One of 33 bony segments that form the human spinal column. Each vertebra has its own name and/or number. For example, the second cervical vertebra is known as the axis, or C2, vertebra. See also vertebral column.

verruga See wart.

verruca See wart.

vernix caseosa See vernix.

vernix A white, cheesy substance that covers and protects the skin of a fetus. Vernix is still all over the skin of a baby at birth. Vernix is composed of sebum (skin oil) and cells that have sloughed off the skin of the fetus. More formally known as vernix caseosa.

venule A little vein that goes from a capillary to a vein.

ventricular tachycardia An abnormal heart rhythm that is rapid and regular and that originates from an area of the lower chamber (ventricle) of the heart. Ventricular tachycardias can be lifethreatening arrhythmias that are commonly associated with damage to the heart muscle due to coronary artery disease.

ventricular septum The wall between the two lower chambers (ventricles) of the heart.

ventricular septal defect A hole in the wall (septum) between the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles). Abbreviated VSD. VSDs are the most common birth defect that involves malformation of the heart. At least 1 baby in every 500 is born with a VSD. A VSD shunts blood from the left ventricle, where it is…

ventricular fibrillation See fibrillation, ventricular.

ventricular arrhythmia An abnormal, rapid heart rhythm (arrhythmia) that originates in the lower chambers of the heart (ventricles). Ventricular arrhythmias include ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. Both are lifethreatening arrhythmias that are commonly associated with heart attacks and scarring of the heart muscle from previous heart attacks.

ventricle, right The chamber of the heart that receives blood from the right atrium and pumps it under low pressure into the lungs via the pulmonary artery. See also heart ventricle.