Dictionary

vara, tibia See tibia vara.

VAQTA A vaccine against hepatitis A. See also hepatitis A; hepatitis A immunization.

vanishing twin A twin detected in early pregnancy that is miscarried, frequently by resorption, without clinical signs or symptoms. The surviving twin continues to grow and develop.

valve, heart See heart valve.

Valsalva maneuver A maneuver in which one tries with force to exhale with the windpipe closed, impeding the return of venous blood to the heart.

Valley fever Lung infection with the fungus Coccidioides immitis. The fungus is common in the sands of the deserts of the southwest, including the San Joaquin valley in California, after which it was named. Also called coccidiomycosis.

vagus nerve A nerve that supplies nerve fibers to the pharynx (throat), larynx (voice box), trachea (windpipe), lungs, heart, esophagus, and intestinal tract, as far as the transverse portion of the colon. The vagus nerve also brings sensory information back to the brain from the ear, tongue, pharynx, and larynx. The vagus nerve is the…

vaginosis, bacterial See bacterial vaginosis.

vaginitis, atrophic Thinning of the lining (epithelium) of the vagina due to decreased production of estrogen. Atrophic vaginitis may occur with menopause.

vaginitis Inflammation of the vagina. Vaginitis is a common condition and is often caused by a fungus. Other infectious causes include bacteria and a parasite known as Trichomonas. Symptoms include itching, burning, and discharge. Some factors predispose a woman to develop vaginitis. For example, women who have diabetes have vaginitis more often than other women….

vaginismus A sexual dysfunction in women characterized by a painful, involuntary tightening or spasm of the muscles that surround the vaginal entrance that interferes with sexual intercourse. Its cause is unknown, but it may occur in women who fear that penetration will be painful or may develop in response to a previous traumatic or painful…

vaginal vestibule See vaginal opening.