vagus

[ vey-guhs ]

noun

, plural va·gi [vey, -jahy, -gahy].

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

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