Vagotomy
An operation to cut the vagus nerve. This causes the stomach to make less acid.

Vagus Nerve
The nerve in the stomach that controls the making of stomach acid.

Valve
A fold in the lining of an organ that prevents fluid from flowing backward.

Varices
Stretched veins such as those that form in the esophagus from cirrhosis.

Villi
The tiny, fingerlike projections on the surface of the small intestine. Villi help absorb nutrients.

Volvulus
A twisting of the stomach or large intestine. May be caused by the stomach being in the wrong position, a foreign substance, or abnormal joining of one part of the stomach or intestine to another. Volvulus can lead to blockage, perforation, peritonitis, and poor blood flow.

Vomiting
The release of stomach contents through the mouth.