Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

vagus nerve
A nerve that supplies nerve fibers to
the pharynx (throat), larynx (voice box), trachea
Vv
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(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 tenth cranial nerve. It
originates in the medulla oblongata, a part of the
brain stem, and extends all the way down from the
brain stem to the colon. Complete interruption of
the vagus nerve causes a characteristic syndrome in
which the soft palate droops on the side where dam-
age occurred, and the gag reflex is also lost on that
side. The voice is hoarse and nasal, and the vocal
cord on the affected side is immobile. The result is
difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) and speaking
(dysphonia). The vagus nerve has several important
branches, including the recurrent laryngeal nerve.
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.
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.
valve, heart
See 
heart valve.
vanishing twin
A twin detected in early preg-
nancy that is miscarried, frequently by resorption,
without clinical signs or symptoms. The surviving
twin continues to grow and develop.
VAQTA
A vaccine against hepatitis A. See also
hepatitis A; hepatitis A immunization.