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

Previous vagus nerve stimulation research in humans suggests the findings go beyond mice.

From Science Daily

Existing devices are effective, but lack the necessary precision needed for some applications, such as cochlear implants or vagus nerve stimulators.

From Science Daily

But for many, the sympathetic nervous system is out of balance with the parasympathetic nervous system, which, along with the vagus nerve, works to calm the body.

From Salon

Now, researchers at Harvard Medical School have identified a previously unknown way in which the body counteracts restricted breathing -- a new reflex of the vagus nerve that initiates deep breathing.

From Science Daily

When an irritant triggers those receptors, nerves send signals up the vagus nerve to the brain that we experience as the urge to cough.

From National Geographic