Structure and Functions of the Vagus Nerve in Mammals

Structure and Functions of the Vagus Nerve in Mammals Volume 12 Issue 4. October 2022 Matteo M. Ottaviani, Matteo M. Ottaviani Department of Neurosurgery, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, ItalyCorrespondence to matteomaria.ottaviani@gmail.comSearch for more papers by this authorVaughan G. Macefield, Vaughan G. Macefield Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia Department of Anatomy & Physiology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, AustraliaSearch for more papers by this author Matteo M. Ottaviani, Matteo M. Ottaviani Department of Neurosurgery, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, ItalyCorrespondence to matteomaria.ottaviani@gmail.comSearch for more papers by this authorVaughan G. Macefield, Vaughan G. Macefield Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Australia Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia Department of Anatomy & Physiology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, AustraliaSearch for more papers by this author Published online: 11 August 2022 https://doi.org/10.1002/cphy.c210042 Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Abstract We review the structure and function of the vagus nerve, drawing on information obtained in humans and experimental animals. The vagus nerve is the largest and longest cranial nerve, supplying structures in the neck, thorax, and abdomen. It is also the only cranial nerve in which the vast majority of its innervation territory resides outside the head. While belonging to the parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system, the nerve is primarily sensory—it is dominated by sensory axons. We discuss the macroscopic and microscopic features of the nerve, including a detailed description of its extensive territory. Histochemical and genetic profiles of afferent and efferent axons are also detailed, as are the central nuclei involved in the processing of sensory information conveyed by the vagus nerve and the generation of motor (including parasympathetic) outflow via the vagus nerve. We provide a comprehensive review of the physiological roles of vagal sensory and motor neurons in control of the cardiovascular, respiratory, and gastrointestinal systems, and finish with a discussion on the interactions between the vagus nerve and the immune system. © 2022 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 12: 3989–4037, 2022. Comprehensive PhysiologyBrowse other articles of this reference work:BROWSE TABLE OF CONTENTSBROWSE BY TOPICBROWSE A-Z RelatedInformation