V
- vaginal cytology
- The study of vaginal epithelial cells, which is commonly used to monitor the state of reproduction in animals like dogs.
- variable number tandem repeats
- A type of polymorphism or variability in DNA widely used for DNA testing.
- vasoactive intestinal peptide
- A peptide hormone widely distributed in the nervous system and intestinal tract.
- vasopressin
- A peptide hormone secreted from the posterior pituitary that affects the kidney and vascular system to conserve body water and increase blood pressure. Antidiuretic hormone is a synonym.
- villus (villi)
- Fingerlike projections of capillaries, usually covered with epithelial cells. Examples are seen in the lining of the small intestine and chorionic villi of the placenta.
- viscera
- The organs within the thoracic, abdominal and pelvic cavities.
- vitamin A
- A vitamin also known as retinol that plays a role in many physiologic processes.
- vitamin C
- A vitamin also known as ascorbic acid. Best known for its role in maintaining connective tissue integrity.
- vitamin D
- A steroid hormone that contributes to calcium homeostasis.
- vitamin E
- A vitamin also known as tocopherol. Best known for its antioxidant properties.
- vitamin K
- A fat-soluble vitamin especially critical for synthesis of blood clotting factors.
- vitamins
- A diverse set of organic molecules that are necessary for normal metabolism that are not synthesized or are synthesized in inadequate quantities within the body.
- VNTR
- Acronym for variable number tandem repeats.
- volatile fatty acids
- Also known as short chain fatty acids; primary species include acetic, butyric and proprionic acids.
- vomition
- The act of vomiting.
Last updated on 1/17/2005