vagus nerve

American  

noun

Anatomy.

vagus nerves plural

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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Other Word Forms

Inflected Forms

noun

• vagus nerves
  plural

Etymology

Origin of vagus nerve

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

GLP-1 receptors are expressed not just in the pancreas and stomach, but throughout the vagus nerve, the brain stem, and the hypothalamus.

From Slate • Mar. 22, 2026

Unlike earlier versions of vagus nerve stimulation, which required surgery to implant a device, this treatment is non-invasive and can be used at home.

From BBC • Feb. 13, 2026

She also found increased expression of serotonin receptors, which help transmit signals from the gut to the brain through the vagus nerve, strengthening communication along the gut-brain axis.

From Science Daily • Jan. 21, 2026

As we begin to understand the vital role our nervous system plays in our ability to manage to stress, there is a growing body of evidence that the vagus nerve might hold the key.

From BBC • Jan. 2, 2026

“For a few seconds. Suspends its respiration; yours, too, but humans can function without respiring—perspiring?—for a couple of minutes, but the vagus nerve of an andy—”

From "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" by Philip K. Dick