Vagus Nerve
Vagus Nerve
The Vagus Nerve (pronounced: VAY-gus) is the tenth cranial nerve or CN X, and interfaces with parasympathetic control of the heart, lungs, and digestive tract. The vagus nerves are paired but are often referred to in the singular. It is the longest nerve of the autonomic nervous system in the human body.
Etymology
The term "vagus" comes from the Latin word for "wandering". This is fitting because the vagus nerve wanders from the brain into organs in the neck, chest, and abdomen.
Structure
The vagus nerve includes both afferent nerves, which send sensory information to the central nervous system, and efferent nerves, which send motor commands to muscles. It is primarily associated with the parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system that controls functions of the body at rest.
Function
The vagus nerve supplies motor parasympathetic fibers to all the organs except the adrenal glands, from the neck down to the second segment of the transverse colon. It also controls a few skeletal muscles, including:
- The cricothyroid muscle
- The levator veli palatini muscle
- The salpingopharyngeus muscle
- The palatoglossus muscle
- The palatopharyngeus muscle
- The superior, middle and inferior pharyngeal constrictors
- The muscles of the larynx (speech).
Clinical significance
Damage to the vagus nerve can cause difficulties with speech, swallowing, or heart rate, among other issues. Diseases such as vasovagal syncope, gastroparesis, and vagus nerve stimulation are related to vagus nerve dysfunction.
Related terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Vagus Nerve
- Wikipedia's article - Vagus Nerve
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