What is the vagus nerve do?

Overview over the basic anatomy and functions of the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is responsible for the regulation of internal organ functions, such as digestion, heart rate, and respiratory rate, as well as vasomotor activity, and certain reflex actions, such as coughing, sneezing, swallowing, and vomiting (17).

What is the human vagus?

Vagus nerve, also called X cranial nerve or 10th cranial nerve, longest and most complex of the cranial nerves. The vagus nerve runs from the brain through the face and thorax to the abdomen. It is a mixed nerve that contains parasympathetic fibres. The vagus also gives off cardiac, esophageal, and pulmonary branches.

What does vagus mean in anatomy?

Anatomical Course. The vagus nerve has the longest course of all the cranial nerves, extending from the head to the abdomen. Its name is derived from the Latin ‘vagary’ – meaning wandering. It is sometimes referred to as the wandering nerve.

What does the term vagus represent?

The Latin word vagus means literally “wandering” (the words vagrant, vagabond, vague, and divagation come from the same root). The vagus was also historically called the pneumogastric nerve since it innervates both the lungs and the stomach.

How does the vagus nerve get damaged?

A damaged vagus nerve can’t send signals normally to your stomach muscles. This may cause food to remain in your stomach longer, rather than move into your small intestine to be digested. The vagus nerve and its branches can be damaged by diseases, such as diabetes, or by surgery to the stomach or small intestine.

What does the name vagus mean?

The word “vagus” means wandering in Latin. This is a very appropriate name, as the vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve. It runs all the way from the brain stem to part of the colon. The sensory functions of the vagus nerve are divided into two components: Somatic components.

What is the plural of vagus?

The plural form of vagus nerve is vagus nerves . Find more words! Hiccups are believed to be caused mainly by irritation of either the phrenic or vagus nerves anywhere along their paths. After absorption it slows the pulse by stimulation of the vagus nerves.

What is the connection between the vagus nerve and fainting?

Remember, the vagus nerve stimulates certain muscles in the heart that help to slow heart rate. When it overreacts, it can cause a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure, resulting in fainting. This is known as Vasovagal Syncope syncope.

What is the function of vagus nerve?

Specifically, the function of the vagus nerve is to relay signals between the brain and various body systems to regulate heart rate, speech, sweating, blood pressure, digestion, glucose production, and certain aspects of breathing.