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.
| Type | Nerve |
| Système corporel | Nervous |
| Région corporelle | Neck |
| Structure parente | cranial nerve |
| Nom latin | Nervus vagus |
| FMA ID | 5731 |
Fonction
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.
Signification clinique
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.
Sous-structures
Questions fréquentes
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Structures associées
Avertissement médical
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