vagus nerve

Học thuật
Thân thiện
vagus nerve

The doctor explains the path of the vagus nerve on an anatomical chart.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A major cranial nerve: The vagus nerve is the tenth cranial nerve (CN X). It is a long, mixed nerve, meaning it contains both sensory (afferent) and motor (efferent) fibers.
    • A primary component of the parasympathetic nervous system: It is a crucial part of the autonomic nervous system, responsible for regulating many involuntary bodily functions, often summarized as supporting "rest and digest" activities.
    • An extensive nerve with widespread innervation: It supplies nerve fibers to and receives sensory information from numerous organs in the thorax and abdomen.
Examples of Usage
  • Noun:
    • Stimulation of the vagus nerve can help reduce inflammation.
    • The doctor explained that the vagus nerve controls heart rate and digestion.
    • Damage to the vagus nerve can lead to difficulty swallowing and hoarseness.
Advanced Usage

  • "Vagal tone": Refers to the activity level of the vagus nerve. High vagal tone is associated with good emotional regulation and cardiovascular health.

    • Meditation practices are believed to improve vagal tone.

  • "Vagal response" or "Vasovagal syncope": A sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure, often triggered by stress, leading to fainting, mediated by the vagus nerve.

    • The sight of blood caused a vagal response, and he nearly fainted.
Variants and Related Words

  • Vagus (n): Often used interchangeably with "vagus nerve."

    • The vagus extends from the brainstem to the colon.

  • Vagal (adj): Pertaining to the vagus nerve.

    • The patient experienced a vagal reflex.

  • Pneumogastric nerve: An older, synonymous term for the vagus nerve, referencing its connections to the lungs and stomach.

Synonyms
  • Cranial nerve X: The anatomical designation.
  • Pneumogastric nerve: (Historical/alternative term)
  • Wandering nerve: A descriptive synonym highlighting its long, meandering path through the body.
Related Phrases (Not phrasal verbs, but common collocations)

  • Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS): A therapeutic treatment involving electrical impulses to the nerve, used for epilepsy and depression.

    • Vagus nerve stimulation is an approved therapy for drug-resistant epilepsy.

  • Vagal nerve fibers: Refers specifically to the constituent parts of the nerve.

  • Vagal pathway: Describes the route the nerve takes and its connections.
vagus nerve

The doctor explains the path of the vagus nerve on an anatomical chart.

Noun
  1. a mixed nerve that supplies the pharynx and larynx and lungs and heart and esophagus and stomach and most of the abdominal viscera

Từ đồng nghĩa