what are the diff betweem vtec and non vtec

ok this dude was telling his engine is built exactly like a vtec but it isn't vtec because he "doesn't have a little tube going int the head" then. is this true? is there any truth in that? i doubt it. i asked him if he has vtec camshafts and he said he does. that it is just like a vtec but it's not b/c of the tube or pump., i forgot his exact words.