vagus nerve

noun

, Anatomy.

, plural vagus nerves.

1. either one of the tenth pair of cranial nerves, consisting of motor fibers that innervate the muscles of the pharynx, larynx, heart, and thoracic and abdominal viscera, and of sensory fibers that conduct impulses from these structures to the brain.

vagus nerve

/ vā′gəs /

1. Either of the tenth pair of cranial nerves that carries motor impulses from the brain to many major organs. The vagus nerve controls the muscles of the larynx (voice box), stimulates digestion, and regulates the heartbeat.

Word History and Origins

Origin of vagus nerve¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

Neuroscientist Steven Porges, who developed “polyvagal theory,” says diaphragmatic breathing stimulates the vagus nerve, which triggers the body’s relaxation response.

From Time

The brain needs calories to operate, and chemical messengers travel back and forth between your gut and brain via the vagus nerve triggering all sorts of functions, from hormone production to cognition.

From Outside Online

Stimulating the vagus nerve can also serve to quiet activity in the cortex, the outer rind of the brain where the vast majority of seizures begin.

From Nautilus

However, Ma and team said, the vagus nerve might serve a similar function.

From Singularity Hub 

Lying behind the vein may be seen the vagus nerve (Fig. 248).

From Project Gutenberg

They affect the different parts of the Vagus nerve in variable proportion.

From Project Gutenberg

All those with which we are acquainted appear to direct their action to the branches of the Vagus nerve.

From Project Gutenberg

Special Sedatives, which control the function of the Vagus nerve, are especially notable as indirect Expectorants.

From Project Gutenberg

The vein is external and somewhat superficial to the artery, and the vagus nerve lies behind.

From Project Gutenberg