Vagal tone

Vagal Tone

The vagal tone is an internal biological process referring to the activity of the vagus nerve, the tenth cranial nerve and a fundamental component of the parasympathetic nervous system. The vagus nerve serves as the body's "superhighway," carrying information between the brain and the internal organs and controlling the body's response to changes in its environment.

Function

The vagus nerve is responsible for the regulation of internal organ functions, such as heart rate, gastrointestinal peristalsis, sweating, and quite a few muscle movements in the mouth, including speech (via the recurrent laryngeal nerve). It also has some afferent fibers that innervate the inner (canal) portion of the outer ear and part of the meninges.

Vagal Tone Measurement

Vagal tone is typically measured through heart rate variability, a physiological phenomenon where the time interval between heartbeats varies. It is believed to be caused by the interplay between the two branches of the autonomic nervous system (ANS): the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system.

Clinical Significance

High vagal tone is associated with physical and psychological well-being. Conversely, low vagal tone is associated with inflammation, negative moods, loneliness, and heart attacks. Therefore, increasing one's vagal tone may lead to a multitude of health benefits.

See Also

• Vagus Nerve
• Parasympathetic Nervous System
• Heart Rate Variability
• Autonomic Nervous System

References

Vagal tone Resources
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