what is the vagal nerve and how it works
The vagus nerve (/ËveÉªÉ¡És/ VAY-gÉs), historically cited as the pneumogastric nerve, is the tenth cranial nerve or CN X, and interfaces with parasympathetic control of the heart, lungs and digestive tract. The vagus nerves are paired; however, they are normally referred to in the singular.
Topics | Brain and Nervous System | Healthy Nervous System | Functions of Nerves | What does the vagus nerve do? The vagus nerve provides a speedy line of information to the brain from the gut, where battles with bacteria and viruses are continually raging. Knowledge of the vagus's role was a mystery until very recently, but we now know that you can learn about your body from your vagus. The longest nerve directly from the brain, the vagus sends messages to and receives messages from your gut and every other organ in your body. Because 85 percent of this huge nerve carries information back to the brain, it's the main mechanism by which your brain audits your body. The remaining 15 percent takes information from your brain to your body.