vagus nerve

noun

, Anatomy.

, plural vagus nerves.

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 /

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.

First recorded in 1830–40

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

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

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

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

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

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