Vagus nerve
Nervus vagus
The tenth cranial nerve emerges from the medulla oblongata and exits the skull through the jugular foramen. It descends in the carotid sheath alongside the internal jugular vein and carotid artery. It gives off the recurrent laryngeal nerve and provides branches to the heart, lungs, and abdominal organs.
| Tipo | Nerve |
| Sistema corporal | Nervous |
| Región corporal | Neck |
| Estructura principal | cranial nerve |
| Nombre latino | Nervus vagus |
| FMA ID | 5731 |
Función
The longest cranial nerve (CN X), providing parasympathetic innervation to most thoracic and abdominal viscera. Controls heart rate, peristalsis, sweating, speech, and various reflex actions including coughing, swallowing, and the gag reflex.
Significado clínico
Vagus nerve stimulation is used to treat drug-resistant epilepsy and depression. Vagal tone affects heart rate variability. Vagotomy was historically used to treat peptic ulcers. Recurrent laryngeal nerve injury during thyroid surgery causes hoarseness.
Subestructuras
Preguntas frecuentes
What is the Vagus nerve?
What is the function of the Vagus nerve?
What body system is the Vagus nerve part of?
What conditions affect the Vagus nerve?
Where is the Vagus nerve located?
Estructuras relacionadas
Aviso médico
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