vagus nerve

American  

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.

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vagus nerve Scientific  

/ 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.

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Etymology

Origin of vagus nerve

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

If there's one nerve you want to touch in 2026 - it's the vagus nerve.

From BBC

New research suggests that one of the most important keys to a healthier and more youthful heart may be the vagus nerve.

From Science Daily

The other was the vagus nerve, a key communication route between the brain and internal organs such as the lungs and digestive system.

From Science Daily

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

From The Wall Street Journal

Humming, I am told, can help stimulate our vagus nerve and slow down our heart rate.

From BBC