Vagus
Vagus Nerve
The Vagus Nerve (pronounced: /ˈveɪɡəs/), also known as the tenth cranial nerve or CN X, is one of the most important nerves in the human body. It is a mixed nerve that contains both afferent (sensory) and efferent (motor) fibers.
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.
Function
The vagus nerve has a broad range of functions, which include:
- Conveying sensory information about the state of the body's organs to the central nervous system.
- Providing parasympathetic efferent fibers to all the organs except the adrenal glands, from the neck down to the second segment of the transverse colon.
- Controlling certain movements of the larynx, pharynx, and the soft palate.
Related Terms
- Parasympathetic nervous system: The part of the involuntary nervous system that serves to slow the heart rate, increase intestinal and glandular activity, and relax the sphincter muscles.
- Cranial nerves: The 12 paired nerves that come directly from the brain, not the spinal cord, and pass through separate apertures in the skull.
- Autonomic nervous system: The part of the nervous system responsible for control of the bodily functions not consciously directed, such as breathing, the heartbeat, and digestive processes.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Vagus
- Wikipedia's article - Vagus
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