Glossary

Author: Glossary

  • Wasting

    Process of deterioration, in which there are weight loss and decreased strength, appetite, and activity. Enfeebling; causing loss of strength or size; emaciating. Occurs when the diet lacks protein; the body breaks down body tissue (e.g., muscle) and uses it as a protein source. A weight that is significantly lower than the average weight of…

  • Walleye

    Abnormal condition in which one or both eyes are off center and point outward; divergent strabismus. An eye in which the iris is light-colored or white.  

  • Walker

    Light metal apparatus, about waist high with four sturdy legs, used as aid in walking, often by a person who has had a stroke. A device used to assist a person in walking, especially a person prone to falling. It consists of a stable platform made of lightweight tubing that is at a height that…

  • Vitelline circulation

    Circulation of blood and nutrients between the embryo and yolk sac through the vitelline artery and vitelline vein in the developing fetus. The embryonic circulation of blood to the yolk sac via the vitelline arteries and its return to general circulation through the vitelline veins.  

  • Viroid

    Tiny particle known to cause some plant diseases and suspected of causing some human diseases. It is much smaller than a virus and consists of a short ribonucleic acid (RNA) chain and no protective protein coat. A small, naked, infectious molecule of RNA. Viroids differ from viruses by the absence of a dormant phase and…

  • Virilization

    Production of secondary male sex characteristics (e.g., deeper voice, increased facial and body hair, greater muscle bulk) in a female, usually the result of adrenal malfunction or the intake of certain drags, especially hormones. The development of masculine characteristics in a woman caused by overproduction of the male sex hormones (androgens) by the ovaries or…

  • Viral load

    Amount of virus present in a person’s blood; usually measured by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method; measures severity of a viral infection. The result is given in number of virus particles per milliliter of blood. Currently, routine testing is available for HIV-1, cytomegalovirus, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus. Determination of viral load…

  • Vibrissa

    Vibrissae, a stiff coarse hair, especially that in the front part of the nostrils that helps filter inhaled air. A stiff coarse hair, especially one of the stiff hairs that lie just inside the nostrils. They filter foreign substances from inhaled air.  

  • Vesiculitis

    Inflammation of the seminal vesicle, usually occurring with prostatitis. Inflammation of a vesicle, particularly the seminal vesicle. Inflammation affecting a vesicle, particularly a seminal vesicle.  

  • Vesicourethral reflux

    Abnormal backflow of urine from the bladder to the ureters, caused by congenital defect, obstruction of the bladder outlet, or urinary tract infection. Treatment depends on the cause.