Vagal trunk

Vagal Trunk

The Vagal Trunk is a term used in anatomy to describe the paired anterior and posterior vagal trunks that arise from the vagus nerve (cranial nerve X). These trunks are significant structures in the autonomic nervous system, playing a crucial role in the parasympathetic control of the heart, lungs, and digestive tract.

Structure

The vagal trunk is formed by the union of the vagus nerve and its various branches. It is divided into the anterior and posterior vagal trunks. The anterior vagal trunk is primarily composed of fibers from the left vagus nerve, while the posterior vagal trunk is primarily composed of fibers from the right vagus nerve.

Function

The vagal trunk carries both sensory and motor fibers. The sensory fibers provide sensation to the thoracic and abdominal viscera, while the motor fibers innervate the smooth muscles and glands of these regions. The vagal trunk is particularly important in the regulation of heart rate, lung function, and gastrointestinal motility.

Clinical Significance

Due to its extensive innervation, damage to the vagal trunk can lead to a variety of clinical conditions. These include dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), gastroparesis (delayed gastric emptying), and arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). In addition, the vagal trunk is often targeted in surgical procedures such as vagotomy, which is performed to reduce acid secretion in the stomach.

See Also

• Vagus nerve
• Autonomic nervous system
• Parasympathetic nervous system