Vagus Nerve

Vagus Nerve

The Vagus Nerve is the tenth cranial nerve or CN X, and interfaces with parasympathetic control of the heart, lungs, and digestive tract. It is the longest nerve of the autonomic nervous system in the human body.

Anatomy

The vagus nerve includes both afferent fibers, responsible for sending sensory information to the central nervous system, and efferent fibers, which transmit signals to the muscles. It originates in the medulla oblongata, a part of the brainstem, and extends through the neck, chest, and abdomen.

Function

The vagus nerve has a broad range of functions, which can be broadly categorized into sensory and motor roles. Sensory functions include providing somatic sensation information about the state of the body's organs to the central nervous system. Motor functions are related to control of skeletal muscles and include swallowing, speech, and keeping the larynx open for breathing.

Clinical significance

Damage to the vagus nerve can cause difficulties in speech or swallowing, loss of the gag reflex, and contribute to a variety of other conditions, including tachycardia and gastric difficulties.

See also

• Cranial nerves
• Autonomic nervous system
• Medulla oblongata

References

Vagus Nerve Resources
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