Body parts that start with V include the veins that return blood to your heart, the vertebrae that build your spine, the vocal cords that give you a voice and the villi that absorb nutrients from your food.
Here are more than 15 human body parts that start with V, grouped by body system, each with a short and accurate explanation.
Quick List: Body Parts That Start With V
| Vagina | Vena cava | Vestibular system |
| Vagus nerve | Ventricles (brain) | Villi |
| Valves (heart) | Ventricles (heart) | Visual cortex |
| Vas deferens | Vermiform appendix | Vitreous humor |
| Vastus lateralis | Vertebrae | Vocal cords |
| Vastus medialis | Veins | Vulva |
Heart and Blood Vessels
Veins: Blood vessels that carry blood back to the heart. Most carry oxygen-poor blood; the pulmonary veins, which carry oxygen-rich blood from the lungs, are the exception. Many veins have small valves that stop blood flowing backward.
Vena cava: The two largest veins in the body. The superior vena cava brings blood from the upper body, and the inferior vena cava brings blood from the lower body, both into the right atrium.
Ventricles (heart): The two lower chambers of the heart. The right ventricle pumps blood to the lungs; the left ventricle, with the thickest wall, pumps blood to the rest of the body.
Valves (heart): Four one-way valves that keep blood moving in the right direction through the heart: the tricuspid, pulmonary, mitral and aortic valves.
Brain, Nerves and Senses
Vagus nerve: The tenth cranial nerve and the longest one, running from the brainstem down to the abdomen. It helps control heart rate, breathing, digestion and swallowing, and is a major part of the body’s “rest and digest” system.
Ventricles (brain): Four connected, fluid-filled spaces inside the brain. They produce and hold cerebrospinal fluid, which cushions the brain and spinal cord.
Visual cortex: The area of the occipital lobe, at the back of the brain, that processes what you see.
Vitreous humor: The clear, jelly-like substance that fills the large space behind the lens of the eye and helps keep the eye’s round shape. Small clumps in it cause the “floaters” some people see.
Vestibular system: The balance organs of the inner ear, made up of the semicircular canals and two small sacs. They sense head movement and position and help you stay steady.
Throat and Digestive System
Vocal cords: Two bands of muscle and tissue inside the larynx (voice box). They vibrate as air passes between them to make sound, and their tension controls the pitch of your voice. They are also called vocal folds.
Villi: Millions of tiny, finger-like projections lining the small intestine. They greatly increase its surface area so it can absorb nutrients efficiently.
Vermiform appendix: The full name of the appendix, a narrow, worm-shaped pouch attached to the start of the large intestine. “Vermiform” means “worm-shaped.”
Bones and Muscles
Vertebrae: The bones that make up the spine (singular: vertebra). An adult has 7 cervical (neck), 12 thoracic (upper back) and 5 lumbar (lower back) vertebrae, plus the fused vertebrae of the sacrum and coccyx.
Vastus lateralis: The largest of the four quadriceps muscles, on the outer side of the thigh. It helps straighten the knee.
Vastus medialis: A quadriceps muscle on the inner side of the thigh, forming a teardrop shape above the knee. It helps straighten the knee and keeps the kneecap moving smoothly.
Reproductive System
Vagina: The muscular canal in females that connects the cervix of the uterus to the outside of the body.
Vulva: The external female genitals, including the labia and the openings of the vagina and urethra.
Vas deferens: The muscular tube in males that carries sperm from the epididymis toward the urethra. It is the tube cut or blocked in a vasectomy.
Common Mix-Ups to Avoid
- Veins vs. arteries: Veins carry blood toward the heart; arteries carry it away.
- Heart ventricles vs. brain ventricles: Heart ventricles pump blood; brain ventricles hold cerebrospinal fluid.
- Vitreous humor vs. aqueous humor: Vitreous humor is the jelly behind the lens; aqueous humor is the watery fluid in front of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which organ starts with V?
The vagina is an organ that starts with V. The vermiform appendix is also sometimes called an organ.
How many vertebrae are in the human spine?
There are 33 vertebrae at birth. Some fuse together over time, so an adult spine is usually counted as 26 separate bones.
What are easy V body parts for kids?
Veins, vertebrae and vocal cords are good words to start with. Children can see veins on their wrists and feel their vocal cords buzz when they hum.
Conclusion
From the veins that bring blood home to the vocal cords that let you speak, the letter V covers important parts of the circulation, nervous system and skeleton. Learning them in groups makes them easier to remember.
Continue the series with body parts that start with U and body parts that start with W.
This article is for general education only and is not medical advice. If you have a health concern, please talk to a doctor.
