Pulmonary branches of vagus nerve

Pulmonary branches of vagus nerve are the branches of the vagus nerve that innervate the lungs. The vagus nerve is the tenth cranial nerve and a key part of the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body's rest and digest response.

Etymology

The term "vagus" comes from the Latin word for "wandering". This is because the vagus nerve wanders from the brain into organs in the neck, chest, and abdomen.

Anatomy

The pulmonary branches of the vagus nerve arise from both the right and left vagus nerves. They are distributed on the bronchial tree and on the lungs. The right vagus nerve gives off its pulmonary branches at the root of the right lung, while the left vagus nerve gives off its pulmonary branches at the root of the left lung.

Function

The pulmonary branches of the vagus nerve carry both sensory and motor fibers. The sensory fibers provide sensation to the lungs and bronchi, while the motor fibers control the smooth muscle of the bronchi and influence the secretion of the bronchial glands.

Clinical significance

Damage to the pulmonary branches of the vagus nerve can lead to a variety of symptoms, including difficulty breathing, coughing, and a loss of sensation in the chest. This can occur as a result of surgery, trauma, or diseases such as lung cancer or pneumonia.

Related terms

• Vagus nerve
• Parasympathetic nervous system
• Bronchial tree
• Lung

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