Pharyngeal branch of vagus nerve

Pharyngeal branch of vagus nerve is a branch of the vagus nerve that supplies the pharynx and soft palate. It is also known as the pharyngeal plexus.

Etymology

The term "pharyngeal" is derived from the Greek word "pharynx" which means "throat", and "vagus" is Latin for "wandering". This is because the vagus nerve extends from the brain to the abdomen, wandering through the body.

Anatomy

The pharyngeal branch of the vagus nerve arises from the upper part of the ganglion nodosum, and consists primarily of motor fibers. It passes across the internal carotid artery to the upper border of the Constrictor pharyngis medius, where it forms a plexus with branches from the glossopharyngeal nerve and sympathetic trunk, and distributes filaments to the muscles and mucous membrane of the pharynx and the muscles of the soft palate, except the Tensor veli palatini.

Function

The pharyngeal branch of the vagus nerve plays a crucial role in swallowing and speech. It provides motor innervation to all the muscles of the pharynx and soft palate, except the stylopharyngeus and tensor veli palatini which are innervated by the glossopharyngeal nerve and the mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve respectively.

Clinical significance

Damage to the pharyngeal branch of the vagus nerve can result in a condition known as vagus nerve palsy. This can lead to difficulties in swallowing, a loss of gag reflex, and a hoarse or nasal voice.

See also

• Vagus nerve
• Pharynx
• Soft palate
• Glossopharyngeal nerve
• Sympathetic trunk

References

Pharyngeal branch of vagus nerve Resources
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