2-Minute Neuroscience: Vagus Nerve (Cranial Nerve X)

The vagus nerve is a long cranial nerve that stretches from the brainstem to the colon and is involved in an extensive list of functions. In this video, I summarize the main functions of the vagus nerve, talk about the nuclei associated with the nerve, and discuss some of the symptoms that can appear when the vagus nerve is damaged.

TRANSCRIPT:

The vagus nerve is an extremely long nerve that travels from the brainstem to the colon and has a long list of functions. It carries sensory information about pain, touch, and temperature from the throat, parts of the inner and outer ear, and the meninges near the back of the head. It plays a very minor role in taste. It also receives sensory information from internal organs in the neck, chest and abdomen like the esophagus, heart, and digestive tract. And it carries sensory information from both baroreceptors in the aorta that detect changes in blood pressure, and chemoreceptors in the aorta that sense oxygen levels in the blood. The vagus nerve controls the movement of a number of muscles in the pharynx, soft palate, and larynx (as well as one muscle in the tongue) to play a critical role in the control of speaking and swallowing. It is also the main parasympathetic nerve of the body, providing parasympathetic innervation to organs throughout the neck, thorax, and abdomen, contributing to a variety of functions such as slowing of the heart rate.

There are several nuclei in the medulla associated with the vagus nerve and the different types of information it carries. Information about touch, pain, and temperature travels to the spinal trigeminal nucleus. Sensory information from internal organs, or visceral sensory information, travels to the solitary nucleus. Motor signals originate in the nucleus ambiguus. Parasympathetic fibers originate primarily in the dorsal vagal motor nucleus, while some parasympathetic fibers that travel to the heart begin in the nucleus ambiguus.

Symptoms of vagus nerve damage may include hoarseness of the voice, difficulty swallowing, and a deficient gag reflex. The uvula may deviate away from the side where the damage has occurred. Because the nerve supplies a number of organs, however, damage can result in many other symptoms as well, like abnormalities in heart rate or gastrointestinal problems.

REFERENCES:

Hermanowicz N. Cranial Nerves IX (Glossopharyngeal) and X (Vagus). In Goetz CG, ed.
Textbook of Clinical Neurology, 3rd ed. Elsevier; 2007.

Wilson-Pauwels L, Akesson EJ, Stewart PA, Spacey SD. Cranial Nerves in Health and Disease. 2nd ed. London: BC Decker, Inc; 2002.

[howtomedicate]

I am watching this during my holiday in Italy. It is great to get smarter while chilling 😅👍

[Llraa]

Found the right place to donate to after I become a doctor

[matthatson]

Great introduction to the Vagus Nerve! I use Vagus Nerve Stimulation techniques myself and with many of my clients to great effect in improving wellbeing, decision-making and resilience!

[erobos]

I was researching "why ear clip for TENS device is only used in the left ear for vagal nerve stimulation" and This is what popped up. Didn't answer my query, yet, your video is short and sweet, though, I could've easily watched 2 more minutes easily! ^__^

[wildheartapothecary]

Can you do longer than 2 mins?? I love hearing about this. I am studying holistic health and functional nutrition as a coach/mentor next year and one of my main focuses are brain-gut connection. So fascinating.

[RavenLunatic]

Another awesome video ! 😁 Can now more proficiently incorporate it visually into healing meditation, such a *vital* part of the nervous system, thank you !! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻😊

[Joanna-ggqx]

I came here after passing out lol, finally understand some physiology to what is happening though !

[AKrn]

Searching for "vagus nerve" takes you down a pretty dark rabbit hold here on YT. This was the only video I clicked on since I was already subscribed. No massaging, activating or stimulating here!

[Godisgreat-]

Thank you so much for this. It’s very helpful. God bless!

[lasredchris]

Vagus nerve
Carries information about pain, touch, and temperature from the throat, inner and outer ear
Received sensory information from the internal organs in the neck and chest

[Muuip]

Great concise presentation! Much appreciated!

[RareRosebud]

I love these super short and informative videos!

[ProlerSkyphet]

Yay amazing channel thank you! Great info and LOVE the quick no BS informative approach for speed learning ❤

[leeyost]

Does anyone know if Vagus nerve could be linked to tinnitus?

[TheDanShow]

I have damage to my vagus nerve from cannabis overuse. Can you explain how this happens? This last week I was nauseous for six days. I couldnt hold down even water. Great explanation of the nerve. I had no idea it served so many functions. Thank you.

[hardiemartellgarnett]

If this nerve does so much, why don't we hear more about it? Is it checked by PCPs?

[victoriageorgopoulou]

thank you soooo much!! not only this was helpful re a paper I was reading but it was also relevant to own illness at the time (info re my larynx pain comes through the vagus nerve). 😃

[brunob.]

Lots of gas after simple meals, feeling of death and dizziness after standing up tio fast, pain on the left side of my neck, and after a huge Holiday with my heart giving constants ectopic Beats, i went to job and Felt bad after lunch. Visited the medical service at Company. Propanolol, anti gás medicine and ectópics were gone for one hour at least. As soon the propanolol effect was over, everything returned. I had a crack on my neck a few years Ago. I presume i could have damaged my vagus nerve

[Pokjik]

sorry if i misunderstood but uvula deviate away from the side of the lesion? is that correct?

[Misanti]

Short but informative. Thanks n blessed be! 🥰