vagus

[vey-guhs]

noun

plural

vagi 

1. vagus nerve.

vagus

/ ˈveɪɡəs /

noun

1. the tenth cranial nerve, which supplies the heart, lungs, and viscera

Word History and Origins

Origin of vagus¹

1830–40; < Latin: wandering

Word History and Origins

Origin of vagus¹

C19: from Latin vagus wandering

Example Sentences

He discovered that the vagus nerve—which connects the brain to many organs—can send electrical signals that suppress the inflammatory response.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The vagus - Latin for "wandering" - starts in the brain as two main branches - left and right - that connect to every major organ, constantly relaying vital information back and forth.

Read more on BBC

“Get in up to your neck so that the cold hits your vagus nerve,” to activate the body’s flight or fight signal, she instructs.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

They communicate with the brain through the bloodstream and the vagus nerve, which runs through the throat and vocal cords and connects the gut and brain.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In some people who develop a chronic gut infection from the virus, the pathogen may travel to the brain via the vagus nerve which connects the gut and brain.

Read more on Salon