Nerve of Latarjet

Nerve of Latarjet (also known as anterior gastric branches of anterior vagal trunk) is a nerve that plays a significant role in the human anatomy. It is named after the French anatomist, Paul Latarjet, who first described it in detail.

Anatomy

The Nerve of Latarjet is a branch of the anterior vagal trunk, which itself is a branch of the vagus nerve. It is primarily involved in the innervation of the stomach, particularly the anterior wall of the stomach's body and the anterior part of its antrum.

Function

The Nerve of Latarjet plays a crucial role in the regulation of gastric acid secretion. It carries parasympathetic fibers that stimulate the secretion of gastric acid by the parietal cells in the stomach. This is a key component of the digestive process, as gastric acid is necessary for the breakdown of food in the stomach.

Clinical significance

Damage to the Nerve of Latarjet can result in a decrease in gastric acid secretion, leading to a condition known as hypochlorhydria. This can cause a range of digestive problems, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease, and gastritis.

In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to treat conditions related to the Nerve of Latarjet. For example, a vagotomy is a surgical procedure that involves cutting the vagus nerve to reduce acid secretion in the stomach. This can help to treat peptic ulcers that have not responded to other treatments.

See also

• Vagus nerve
• Anterior vagal trunk
• Gastric acid
• Parietal cells