Vagal trigone

Vagal Trigone is a triangular area located in the dorsal aspect of the medulla oblongata, a part of the brainstem. It is also known as the Ala Cinerea or the gray wing. The vagal trigone is named after the vagus nerve, the tenth cranial nerve that it is associated with.

Etymology

The term "vagal trigone" is derived from the Latin words "vagus" meaning "wandering" and "trigone" meaning "triangle". The term "Ala Cinerea" is derived from the Latin words "ala" meaning "wing" and "cinerea" meaning "gray".

Anatomy

The vagal trigone is located in the fourth ventricle of the brain, on the floor known as the rhomboid fossa. It is situated between the facial colliculus and the hypoglossal trigone. The vagal trigone is associated with the dorsal nucleus of vagus nerve, which is responsible for the unconscious body procedures like heart rate and digestion.

Function

The vagal trigone is associated with the vagus nerve, which plays a crucial role in the body's automatic control system. The vagus nerve is responsible for various tasks including heart rate, gastrointestinal peristalsis, sweating, and quite a few muscle movements in the mouth, including speech and keeping the larynx open for breathing.

Clinical Significance

Damage to the vagal trigone can lead to a variety of medical conditions. For instance, it can cause dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), dysphonia (voice disorders), and dysarthria (difficulty articulating words). It can also lead to vagus nerve disorders, which can cause a wide range of symptoms, including low blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, and digestive problems.

See Also

• Medulla oblongata
• Vagus nerve
• Fourth ventricle
• Rhomboid fossa

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