vagus nerve

noun

va·​gus nerve ˈvā-gəs- 

: either of the 10th pair of cranial nerves that arise from the medulla oblongata and supply chiefly the viscera especially with autonomic sensory and motor fibers

called also vagus

Examples of vagus nerve in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Povilas explained to me over email that this activation is often linked to vagus nerve stimulation, resulting in a slower heart rate, reduced blood pressure, and an overall sense of calm. —Laia Farran Graves, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024

In addition, research suggests that stimulating the vagus nerve can decrease intestinal permeability in IBD and other gastrointestinal disorders. —Stacey Colino, TIME, 10 Dec. 2024

When your body is in fight or flight, ice touching the back of your neck stimulates the vagus nerve and parasympathetic nervous system all the way down the body and up to the brain. —Caitlin Pagán, Verywell Health, 3 Dec. 2024

The Best Thing to Do for Your Gut Health There are different ways to stimulate the vagus nerve—directly by implanting a stimulator or noninvasively with external devices that stimulate the vagus nerve via the neck or the ear, says Abell. —Stacey Colino, TIME, 10 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin vagus nervus, literally, "wandering nerve,"; so called from its multiplicity of connecting points in the neck, thorax, and abdomen — more at vague

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

vagus nerve

noun

: either of the tenth pair of cranial nerves that arise from the medulla and supply chiefly the viscera especially with autonomic sensory and motor fibers

called also pneumogastric nerve, tenth cranial nerve, vagus