Anatomy & Physiology

Ulna is a long, slender bone on the medial side of the forearm, parallel to the radius. It forms the elbow joint with the humerus and the wrist joint with the carpal bones. The term is used in anatomy and clinical contexts to specify this specific forearm bone.

Umbilical is an adjective describing anything relating to or resembling the navel or umbilical cord, especially as it pertains to birth or the anatomical region around the belly. It also appears in metaphorical contexts to denote centrality or essential connection. The term is common in medical or anatomical writing and in discussions of embryology and physiology.

Umbilicus is a noun referring to the navel or belly button, especially in anatomical or medical contexts. It denotes the scar on the abdomen marking the former umbilical cord site. In anatomical discussions, it can describe the central point around which abdominal structures revolve. It’s used in clinical descriptions and anatomical diagrams with precise placement on the abdomen.

Ureter is a muscular duct that transports urine from the kidney to the bladder through peristaltic contractions. It is pronounced with three syllables and a tertiary stress pattern typical of medical terms, and it appears in clinical anatomy and urology contexts. It is a neutral term used in formal medical writing and patient education alike.

Urethra is the duct that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body; in males it also conveys semen. It is a anatomical term used in medical, clinical, and educational contexts. The word emphasizes the channel through which liquid exits the body, and it is pronounced with attention to the sequence of syllables and precise vowel quality.

Uterus is a hollow muscular organ in female mammals where a fetus develops during pregnancy. It is typically part of the reproductive system and sits in the pelvis, with a broad upper segment (fundus) and a narrow cervix leading to the vagina. The term refers to the uterus as a biological structure, not to a concept or metaphor.

Vagus is a plural noun used in anatomy to refer to the tenth cranial nerve. It also denotes a branch of the vagus nerve system, influencing parasympathetic control of the heart, lungs, and digestive tract. In broader contexts, it can describe anything relating to wandering or the wandering nerve in older texts.

Vasculature refers to the arrangement or system of blood vessels in a body, especially the network of arteries, veins, and capillaries that supply tissues with blood. It encompasses the collective vasculature of an organ or region and is central to understanding circulatory function and pathology. The term is primarily used in medical and anatomical contexts.

Ventricle (noun) refers to a chamber in the heart or brain that holds or circulates fluids. In anatomy, it most commonly denotes any of the heart’s four chambers that pump blood, or one of the brain’s communicating cavities filled with cerebrospinal fluid. The term implies a hollow space surrounded by tissue and often involves muscular or ventricular walls.

Venule refers to a small vein, a diminutive vessel part of the venous system. In biology, it denotes a tiny channel that drains capillary blood into larger veins. The term is used in anatomy and clinical discussions, often in contrast to arterioles and venules as a microvascular component.

Vestibular refers to the vestibular system in the inner ear, which helps control balance and spatial orientation. As a noun in medical contexts, it denotes structures related to this system, or a body region involved in balance. The term is used in anatomy and clinical discussions to describe balance-related anatomy or disorders.

Vestibule is a noun meaning a small entrance hall or antechamber leading into a larger space, such as a building, church, or cave. It serves as a transitional area, often providing access to primary rooms or corridors. The term is commonly used in architecture and medical anatomy to describe a specific transitional space near an opening.

Villi (plural noun) refers to finger-like projections lining the inner surface of the small intestine, increasing surface area for absorption. In biology contexts, it can also describe small, hair-like structures elsewhere. The term is technical and specialized, used mainly in medical or anatomical discussions, textbooks, and lectures.

Villus refers to a small, finger-like projection from a mucous membrane, especially the villi lining the small intestine that increase surface area for absorption. In anatomy, it denotes a tiny, hair-like outgrowth that participates in nutrient uptake or in histology describes similar projections on tissues. The term emphasizes microscopic, delicate structures and is used in formal, scientific contexts.

Viscera refers to the internal organs within the main cavities of the body, especially those in the chest and abdomen. The term is used primarily in medical or anatomical contexts and contrasts with the walls or coverings of organs. It encompasses organs such as the stomach, liver, intestines, and heart, considered collectively. The plural form is viscera; the singular is viscera/viscus in some contexts.

Visceral is an adjective describing deep, internal feelings or responses, often related to strong, instinctive sensations rather than outward rational thought. It can also refer to the internal organs themselves, especially in medical or literary contexts. The term conveys immediacy and intensity, bypassing conscious processing to evoke raw, physical impressions.

Vitreous is an adjective describing something related to glassy, transparent, or vitreous humor-like clarity or appearance. In medical contexts, it refers to the clear, gel-like substance filling the eyeball. The term conveys a smooth, glassy quality and is used across disciplines to denote transparency, luster, or a glassy texture or tone.

Zygomatic is an adjective relating to the cheekbone (zygomatic bone) or its prominence. In anatomy it describes the zygomatic arch or region; in dentistry and facial anatomy it often appears in compound terms. The word is used in formal, medical, and academic contexts to specify location or structure of the cheekbone area.

Zygomaticus is a paired facial muscle that extends from the zygomatic bone to the corners of the mouth, enabling smiling and lip elevation. In anatomy contexts it identifies the muscle group responsible for cheek elevation, while in clinical and educational settings it appears in discussions of facial expression and neuro-muscular function. The term is used in medical, biology, and dental education with precise anatomical reference.