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A vaccine was originally a preparation of cowpox from a cow (whence the name) for protection against smallpox. Today, a vaccine is a preparation of modified pathogens (viruses or bacteria) that is introduced into the body, usually either orally or by a hypodermic syringe, with the view to induce the specific antibody reaction that produces immunity against a particular disease. In 1796, Edward Jenner was the first to inoculate a child (supposedly) successfully with cowpox virus to produce immunity to smallpox. His method, the application of an infective agent to an abraded skin surface, is still used in smallpox inoculation. However, officially vaccinations are only 80% effective, and reviewing the decline of instances of polio and other diseases both before and after inoculations started over the past hundred years reveals a uniform curve, questioning whether inoculations are effective at all.
The side-effects of many inoculations are similarly dangerous and may induce severe brain damage, for example (since the introduction of the MMR vaccine in the UK for measles, mumps and Rubella, incidences of autism in children rose 400% from 1 in 1000 to 4 in 1000, as the vaccine can rupture the intestine wall allowing proteins to escape into the blood system and damage the brain). The problem for independent thinkers, is that it is impossible to prove or disprove whether an inoculation has succeeded, unless the patient then contracts the disease against which they were inoculated, in which case the inoculation obviously failed. However, in cases where an inoculated patient does not contract a disease who can say with certainty that their own immunity system would not have prevented the disease being contracted without the inoculation.
Vaccines have long been controversial, propagated by propaganda. The original concept was to immunise against smallpox by infecting patients with cowpox. However, there is serious doubt that the original vaccinations were effective at all. During the smallpox epidemic of 1871, 91.5% of the patients suffering from smallpox at the Highgate Smallpox Hospital in London had been previously vaccinated - while only 90% of the London population as a whole had been vaccinated, and in 1881 96% of the patients suffering from smallpox at the Highgate Smallpox Hospital in London had been vaccinated, while again only 90% of the general population of London had been vaccinated. Despite strong evidence then and now that vaccines are ineffective at all but making profit for their manufacturers, and in many cases are actually very dangerous to the patients to which they are administered, in 1853 the British government introduced compulsory vaccination and popular belief among the less educated population is still one of the effectiveness of vaccines.
 Research Vaccine
Vaccinophobia is the fear of vaccination.
Research Vaccinophobia
The vagina is the passage leading from the vulva, the external reproductive organs, to the uterus. The skin which lines it produces an acid environment during the fertile years which acts as a barrier to infection. During childbirth the vagina expands to allow the passage of the baby's head.
Research Vagina
Vaginismus is a spasmodic painful contraction of the entrance to the vagina during attempted intercourse, thus preventing the entrance of the penis. It is usually of psychological origin, although it may be due to inflammation of the vagina, causing a reflex contraction.
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The vagus nerve is the tenth cranial nerve, branching off of the medulla oblongata and extending upward and downward into the abdomen. An important nerve, the vagus divides into several branches which innervate vital structures in the body. These include the auricular, bronchial, cardiac (inferior and superior), celiac, oesophageal, gastric, hepatic, laryngeal (recurrent and superior), meningeal, pharyngeal, and pyloric branches.
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Valeric acid is a member of the series of fatty acids. It occurs in four isomeric varieties, two of which occur in plants such as valerian. It is an oily liquid with an odour like that of decayed cheese. Amyl and ethyl valerates are of importance in the preparation of fruit essences.
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Valium is a highly addictive drug used to treat nervous disorders, and convulsive disorders. It is also widely used as a tranquilliser to sedate mentally ill patients and the elderly in homes. Valium works by blocking the consciousness, thereby rendering the patient unable to think clearly. Unfortunately this does mean that patients forget to open doors, duck under obstructions etc. and risk injuring themselves. It is not a curative, but a highly convenient way of blocking symptoms.
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The vallate papilla, sometimes called circumvallate, are the largest papilla found on the tongue. A person has an average of seven to twelve vallate papilla located on the upper surface towards the back of the tongue. The papilla generally are arranged in a 'V' shape pointing toward the throat. These papilla are involved in the perception of taste and have taste buds located on their tips. Each vallate papilla contains from 250 to 270 taste buds. Although later in life, after age 75, the total number of vallate papilla on the tongue's surface drops about 50%. These taste buds respond only to sour and bitter qualities.
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The vallecullae is the depression between the epiglottis and the base of the tongue, on either side of the median glossoepiglottic fold.
Research Valleculae
Larger veins in the body have valves that control the flow of blood. These valves assist in transporting the blood against the pull of gravity back to the heart and lungs. In the deep leg veins, the valves occur every twelve millimetres along the legs. Some activities and habits, such as crossing the legs a lot and spending too much time on the feet in one position puts a strain on the legs causing the blood to pool in them. In larger veins, the valves that control the flow of blood sometimes break down after continued strain and they no longer close behind the blood as it passes up the leg to the heart. The blood moves sluggishly, filling and stretching the veins until they protrude from the skin in a condition known as varicose veins.
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Varicose Veins is a condition of permanently dilated veins. It occurs mainly in the lower limbs, the lowest part of the bowel (piles or haemorrhoids) or the spermatic cord (varicocele). The condition is caused by a hindrance of the flow of blood from the lower parts of the body to the heart, sometimes caused by a breadown of the valves.
The swollen veins can itch, ache, and bleed. They also cause leg cramps or swollen ankles and feet. Varicose veins may also lead to ulcers above the ankle and to blood clots in the legs that cause a condition known as phlebitis.
For many people, varicose veins do not cause any of these problems and are simply a cosmetic nuisance. The smaller veins close to the surface of the skin don't have valves, but they, too, can become swollen with blood. When this occurs, they appear as a dense, red, wavy network of so-called spider veins.
Although certain activities and habits add to the strain on the veins, researchers do not know what causes varicose or spider veins. It is widely believed it is a matter of heredity. About 25% of Americans have varicose veins on their legs. Only the superficial varicose veins can be seen. The deep veins, however, can develop the condition too.
The treatment for varicose veins ranges from simple exercise to a surgical procedure. Small spider veins and the ropy blue varicose veins are often treated with a procedure called sclerotherapy. The veins are injected with a strong irritating solution such as saline. The injection causes scarring that fuses the veins shut. Without blood circulating through them, they are no longer visible. Each vein needs to be injected individually. This procedure often needs to be repeated within a few years, as new varicose veins often develop. The most extreme technique for treating varicose veins provides permanent relief, but is not suitable for all patients. The procedure, called vein ligation and stripping, removes the superficial saphenous vein, which runs from the ankle to the groin.
Research Varicose Veins
The vas deferens is the narrow continuation of the canal of the epididymis, serving to transport the sperm cells from the epididymis, up through the inguinal canal toward the bladder, and then to the spermatic cords and the ejaculatory duct.
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Vasectomy is the surgical sterilisation of a man by cutting, and tieing the vas deferens in the testicles. It has been reported that the only noticeable difference after a vasectomy is a milder flavour of the ejaculate.
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Vasopressin is an antidiuretic hormone secreted by the pituitary gland, that controls the amount of water secreted by the kidneys and raises blood pressure.
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The vastus intermedius (femoral muscle; crureas) is an extensive muscle that lies deep to all the other quadriceps bellies, adding muscular fullness under them. It originates from the anterior shaft of the femur and inserts in the tuberosity of the tibia with the tendon of the quadriceps femoris and the patellar ligaments. It is innervated by the femoral nerve and supplied by femoral circumflex artery. The quadriceps muscles consist of: the rectus femoris, the vastus lateralis, the vastus intermedius, and the vastus medialis. These muscles form a large fleshy mass that covers the front and sides of the femur. They work together as the primary extensor of the knee.
Research Vastus Intermedius
The vastus lateralis (vastus externus) muscle is the largest of the quadriceps muscles. The vastus lateralis occupies the outside of the thigh and extends partially around to the front and back of the thigh. It originates from the linea aspera and inserts in the tibial tuberosity. The vastus lateralis is innervated by the femoral nerve and supplied by the femoral artery. This muscle extends the lower leg at the knee joint and is used when rising from a squatting position.
Research Vastus Lateralis
The vastus medialis (vastus internus) is the deepest of the quadriceps muscles. The vastus medialis is a bulging teardrop form located on the inner front corner of the lower thigh. It originates from the linea aspera and narrows to a tendon to insert in the tibial tuberosity. The vastus medialis is innervated by the femoral nerve and supplied by the femoral artery. It can be divided into two portions, the vastus medialis longus, which extends the knee, and the vastus medialis oblique.
Research Vastus Medialis
Blood returns to the heart via small venules, which lead to the larger veins. Veins have thinner walls than arteries and often have valves at intervals, especially in the legs, to assist in transporting the blood against gravity back to the heart and to the lungs where the carbon dioxide is exhaled and the blood is replenished with oxygen.
Research Vein
Velamox is a brand name for Amoxicillin.
Research Velamox
The vena cava is a large vein that runs along the right side of the body. It is divided into two portions, the superior vena cava and the inferior vena cava. The superior vena cava is the great vein that returns the blood from the head, arms and upper body to the right atrium of the heart. The inferior vena cava, which is larger than the superior vena cava, returns blood from the lower body and legs.
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Venereology is the branch of medicine concerned with the study and treatment of venereal disease.
Research Venereology
A ventricle is a chamber of the heart which receives blood from a corresponding atrium and from which blood is forced into the arteries. The name is also given to the system of communicating cavities in the brain that are continuous with the central canal of the spinal cord, that like it are derived from the medullary canal of the embryo, that are lined with an epithelial ependyma, and that contain a serous fluid.
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Venustraphobia is the fear of beautiful women.
Research Venustraphobia
Veratrine is an alkaloid obtained from sabadilla seeds. It forms colourless crystals, that have a bitter taste and excite sneezing. It was formerly used in medicine as an external application to produce local anaesthesia, but is an active poison if taken internally.
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Verbophobia is the fear of words.
Research Verbophobia
Verminophobia is the fear of germs.
Research Verminophobia
Veronal (diethyl-barbituric acid or barbitone) is a white crystalline powder formerly used medicinally as a hypnotic to induce sleep.
Research Veronal
The vertebrae are irregularly shaped bones which stack together to form the spinal column. The
vertebrae are connected together by ligaments and muscles which control the degree of flexibility of the spine. The vertebrae are cushioned from each other by cartilage disks which act as shock absorbers to protect the vertebrae in the spine. The vertebrae may be separate (cervical, thoracic, and lumbar vertebrae), semi- articulated (as in some coccygeal vertebrae), or fused (as in the sacrum and coccyx). The typical vertebra has a body of solid bony material, which supports the weight of the spine, and an arch, which forms the vertebral foramen. It is the adjoining vertebral foramina which creates a canal down through the spinal column which houses and protects the spinal cord. The thoracic vertebrae feature facets to which the ribs attach, called costal facets.
Research Vertebrae
The vertebral canal is a tunnel formed by the juxtaposition of the individual vertebral arches in the vertebral column. This canal supports and protects the spinal cord as it runs from the medulla oblongata inside the skull to the base of the spine.
Research Vertebral Canal
The vertebral column (spinal column, spine) is the central axis of all vertebrate animals. It is comprised of a number of independent irregular bones (vertebrae), which are firmly connected to one another, but are capable of a limited amount of independent movement.
Research Vertebral column
Vertigo is the sensation of giddiness caused by a disturbance of the function of equilibrium or disease of the inner ear.
Research Vertigo
A vesicant is a counter-irritant which raises blisters - such as cantharides.
Research Vesicant
The vestibulocochlear nerve (nervus vestibulaocochlearis) is a group of sensory nerves that innervate the receptor cells within the labyrinth of the cochlea. It is a branch of the eighth cranial nerve. The acoustic nerve is the eighth cranial nerve, extending from the ear to the brain. The cochlear portion of the acoustic nerve conveys sound impulses from the inner ear to the brain and the vestibular portions convey the sensations of balance from the semicircular canals in the inner ear to the brain. The acoustic nerve is an important nerve to the sense of hearing and the sense of balance.
Research Vestibulocochlear Nerve
Vestiphobia is the fear of clothing.
Research Vestiphobia
Viagra is the trade name of sildenafil citrate, sold as an anti-impotency drug. It was invented in 1998 by Peter Dunn and Albert Wood, working at the Pfizer company in Sandwich, Kent. They built upon work done in 1991 by other scientists as Pfizer who found that compounds of the pyrazolopyrimidinone class could be used for treating heart complaints.
Research Viagra
Vicks 44 Pediatric is a trade name for dextromethorphan hydrochloride
Research Vicks 44 Pediatric
Vicks Formula 44 is a trade name for dextromethorphan hydrochloride
Research Vicks Formula 44
Vincent's angina (Vincent's disease) is an ulcerative bacterial infection of the mouth, especially involving the throat and tonsils.
Research Vincent's Angina
Vioxx is a trade name for Rofecoxib, a Cox-2 inhibitor, potentially deadly anti-inflammatory drug manufactured by the American drug company Merck and Company during the early 1990s and widely hailed as a 'wonder drug'. Upon investigation it was found that the side effects of using the drug were frequently heart-attacks or strokes. Doctors and academics who sought to investigate the possible dangers of Vioxx were harassed and threatened by the company manufacturing Vioxx, who also strongly lobbied the American government to promote its prescription and use as a pain relief for arthritis. In February 2005 the American FDA, presumably under pressure and advice from the various manufacturers of cox-2 inhibitors, voted to continue approval of cox-2 inhibitors including Vioxx despite its potentially deadly side-effects.
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Virginitiphobia is the fear of rape.
Research Virginitiphobia
Virgoxillin is a brand name for Amoxicillin.
Research Virgoxillin
Virology is the branch of medicine concerned with the study of viruses and the diseases they cause.
Research Virology
The vitreous humor is a large compartment containing viscous fluid, a clear jelly-like substance, lying between the lens and the retina and making up most of the volume of the eyeball. The fluid keeps the retina in position and maintains the spherical shape of the eyeball.
Research Vitreous Humor
Vitricophobia is the fear of step-fathers.
Research Vitricophobia
Vivisection is the dissection of living subjects. It was first practised on human subjects in 300 BC by Herophilus, and until 1570 criminals were vivisected at Pisa. The practise is still carried out on animals, and there is much controversy over its moral and scientific value in areas of research such as testing drugs, surgical practises and testing cosmetic products. The enforced chain smoking by Beagle dogs led to the belief of smoking causing cancer in humans.
Research Vivisection
VK B-cillin K is a drug used to treat mild to moderate systemic infections. It has the possible side effects of: stomach distress, vomiting, diarrhoea, nausea and hypersensitivity (rash, itching, chills, fever, swelling)
Research VK B-Cillin K
The vocal cords are ligaments connected to the vocal process of each arytenoid cartilage in the back and to the thyroid cartilage in the front. The vocal processes of the arytenoids are manipulated by the vocal and cricoarytenoid muscles. The vocal cords are brought together and separated by flexing these muscles. When the vocal cords are brought together, their tension is controlled by the vocal muscles and the cricothyroid muscles so that the air passed through them causes the cords to vibrate. When relaxed, the vocal cords vibrate slower than when tensed, causing a lower pitch. When not speaking, the vocal cords are moved farther apart in the back, widening the passageway for breathing. During puberty in the male, the cartilage structures supporting the vocal cords shift slightly, causing the vocal cords to become generally more relaxed. This accounts for the lowering of the male voice following puberty.
Research Vocal Cords
The vocalis muscle (thyroartenoideus internus) originates from the depression between the two laminae of the thyroid cartilage and inserts in the vocal process of the arytenoid cartilage. It is innervated by the recurrent laryngeal nerve. The vocalis muscle, as the name implies, is an import muscle for speech. It shortens and relaxes the vocal cords to create sound. Vocal sounds are created by closing and tightening the vocal cords. The cords vibrate and emit sound as air is pushed past them. The muscles in this area help create alterations in the tension of the cords, which produce different pitches of sound.
Research Vocalis Muscle
The Volkmann's vessels are located within the Haversian canals in the Haversian lamellae. These vessels carry the nutrients which nourish the bone tissue and carry newly generated blood cells and lymphocytes from the marrow to the bloodstream.
Research Volkmann's Vessel
The vomer is the thin, flat bone which forms the bottom and back portion of the bony septum in the nasal cavity. The vomer supports the perpendicular plate of the ethmoid bone, which forms the upper portion of this septum. The vomer extends past the palatine bone in the back of the mouth cavity, where its rearmost section, the ala, connects to the pterigoid process of the sphenoid bones and the forward section of the occipital bone, just in front of its basilar part.
Research Vomer
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