Dictionary

vaginal opening The exterior opening to the vagina, the muscular canal that extends from the cervix to the outside of the female body. Also called vaginal introitus and vaginal vestibule.

vaginal introitus See vaginal opening.

vaginal birth after caesarean section See caesarean section, vaginal birth after.

vagina, septate A rare condition in which the vagina is divided, usually longitudinally, to create a double vagina. This situation can be easily missed by the patient and even by the physician on exam. If the patient becomes sexually active prior to diagnosis, one of the vaginas stretches and becomes dominant. The other vagina slips…

vagina The muscular canal that extends from the cervix to the outside of the body. It is usually 6 to 7 inches in length, and its walls are lined with mucous membrane. It includes two vaultlike structures: the anterior (front) vaginal fornix and the posterior (rear) vaginal fornix. The cervix protrudes slightly into the vagina,…

VACTERL association A nonrandom association of birth defects. VACTERL is a mnemonic in which the letters each stand for one or more type of malformation: V = Vertebral anomalies; and A = Anal atresia (no hole at the bottom end of the intestine); C = Cardiac defect, most often ventricular septal defect; TE = TracheoEsophageal…

vaccine A microbial preparation of killed or modified microorganisms that can stimulate an immune response in the body to prevent future infection with similar microorganisms. Vaccines are usually delivered by intramuscular injection.

vaccination, children’s See children’s immunizations.

vaccination See immunization.

uvulitis Inflammation of the uvula. Uvulitis has many causes, including infection with a virus, fungus, or bacteria or the result of a side effect of a medication.

uvula The anatomic structure that dangles downward at the back of the mouth and is attached to the rear of the soft palate.

uveitis Inflammation of the uvea. Uveitis is a serious form of eye inflammation and requires aggressive treatment with medications to reduce the inflammation that can permanently impair vision. Uveitis can occur by itself or as a feature of an underlying disease, such as Behcet’s disease, sarcoidosis, and others.