Ganglion of vagus nerve

Ganglion of Vagus Nerve

The right sympathetic chain and its connections with the thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic plexuses. (Ganglion of vagus nerve not labeled, but region is visible.)

The Ganglion of Vagus Nerve is a complex structure that plays a crucial role in the human nervous system. It is a part of the vagus nerve, also known as the tenth cranial nerve, which is primarily responsible for controlling the heart, lungs, and digestive tract.

Structure

The ganglion of vagus nerve is composed of two ganglia: the superior ganglion and the inferior ganglion. The superior ganglion is the smaller of the two and is located in the jugular foramen. The inferior ganglion, also known as the nodose ganglion, is larger and is located in the neck.

Plan of upper portions of glossopharyngeal, vagus, and accessory nerves. (Ganglion of vagus nerve not labeled, but region is visible.)

Function

The ganglion of vagus nerve is involved in various functions of the body. It carries sensory information from the body's organs to the central nervous system. It also carries motor information from the central nervous system to the organs. This allows the body to respond to changes in the internal environment.

Clinical significance

Damage to the ganglion of vagus nerve can result in a variety of symptoms, including difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, and loss of voice. It can also lead to dysautonomia, a condition characterized by abnormal functioning of the autonomic nervous system.

See also

• Vagus nerve
• Cranial nerves
• Autonomic nervous system