Inferior ganglion of vagus nerve

Inferior ganglion of vagus nerve

The Inferior ganglion of vagus nerve, also known as the nodose ganglion, is a structure in the human body that is part of the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is the tenth cranial nerve and is responsible for various functions in the body, including heart rate, gastrointestinal peristalsis, sweating, and several muscle movements in the mouth, including speech and keeping the larynx open for breathing.

Etymology

The term "inferior ganglion of vagus nerve" is derived from the Latin word "vagus", which means "wandering". This is in reference to the path of the vagus nerve, which extends from the brain to the abdomen, thereby 'wandering' through the body. The term "ganglion" is derived from the Greek word "ganglion", which means "knot", referring to the knot-like appearance of these structures.

Structure and Function

The inferior ganglion of the vagus nerve is located in the neck, just below the jugular foramen. It is the lower of the two ganglia associated with the vagus nerve, the other being the superior ganglion of vagus nerve. The inferior ganglion is larger than the superior ganglion.

The inferior ganglion contains the cell bodies of sensory neurons that carry information from the body to the brain. These neurons are responsible for transmitting sensory information from the throat, heart, and abdominal organs to the brain.

Clinical Significance

Damage to the inferior ganglion of the vagus nerve can result in a variety of symptoms, depending on the specific location and extent of the damage. These can include difficulty swallowing, changes in heart rate, and abnormalities in the function of the gastrointestinal tract.

Related Terms

• Vagus nerve
• Superior ganglion of vagus nerve
• Jugular foramen
• Cranial nerves

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