Glossary

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Valves

Structures in the circulatory system (specifically the heart and veins) which aid in the smooth flow of blood. In the heart there are four valves which maintain the unidirectional flow of blood by opening and closing in sequence during each heart beat.
Varicose Veins

Abnormally swollen veins, usually appear in the legs.
Vascular Disease

Diseases affecting the circulatory system including arteries, veins and the heart.
Veins

Any of the tube-like vessels that carry blood toward the heart. Veins have thinner walls than arteries and carry blood at a lower pressure than the arterial system.
Ventricle

One of two main pumping chambers of the heart which receive blood from the atria and from which blood is then forced into arteries. The right ventricle pumps blood into the arteries of the lungs and the left ventricle pumps blood into the aorta and on to the arteries of the rest of the body.
Void

To eliminate waste from the body. Most often used to refer to the process of emptying urine from the bladder.
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Warfarin

An anticoagulant (blood thinner) medication which is usually prescribed to prevent blood clots from forming in the body.