Vagovagal reflex

Vagovagal reflex is a complex reflex arc that is mediated by the vagus nerve, a cranial nerve that conveys a wide array of sensory and motor information between the brain and the body. This reflex plays a crucial role in the regulation of bodily functions such as heart rate and digestion.

Anatomy and Physiology

The vagovagal reflex involves both afferent (sensory) and efferent (motor) fibers of the vagus nerve. The afferent fibers carry sensory information from the body to the brain, while the efferent fibers transmit motor commands from the brain to the body. This allows the vagovagal reflex to respond to changes in the body and to regulate various physiological processes accordingly.

Clinical Significance

The vagovagal reflex has significant clinical implications. It is involved in a number of physiological and pathological processes, including gastrointestinal motility, cardiac function, and the response to stress and anxiety. Abnormalities in the vagovagal reflex can lead to conditions such as vagovagal syncope, a type of fainting that occurs in response to certain triggers such as intense emotional stress or pain.

See Also

• Vagus nerve
• Reflex arc
• Gastrointestinal motility
• Cardiac function
• Vagovagal syncope

References

Vagovagal reflex Resources
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