Excerpt. The vagal nucleus consists of
four nuclei
located in the medulla oblongata. The three main nuclei are the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve (cranial nerve [CN] X), nucleus ambiguus, and the solitary nucleus.
What is the nucleus of the vagus nerve?
The dorsal vagal nucleus
, also known as the vagal nucleus, dorsal nucleus of the vagus nerve or the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve, is a elongated nucleus within the medulla oblongata that provides parasympathetic motor innervation to the viscera of the thorax and abdomen.
How many neurons are in the vagus nerve?
The ENS arises from neural crest cells of the primarily vagal origin and consists of a nerve plexus embedded in the intestinal wall, extending across the whole gastrointestinal tract from the esophagus to the anus. It is estimated that the human ENS contains
about 100–500 million neurons
.
What are the 2 branches of the vagus nerve?
The inferior ganglion gives off two branches:
the pharyngeal nerve and the superior laryngeal nerve
. The recurrent laryngeal nerve branches from the vagus in the lower neck and upper thorax to innervate the muscles of the larynx (voice box). The vagus also gives off cardiac, esophageal, and pulmonary branches.
Which cranial nerves have nuclei?
| Olfactory nerve Olfactory bulb | Oculomotor nerve Oculomotor nucleus Edinger-Westphal nucleus | Trochlear nerve Trochlear nucleus | Trigeminal nerve Trigeminal nerve nuclei: Mesencephalic nucleus Principal sensory nucleus Spinal trigeminal nucleus Trigeminal motor nucleus | Abducens nerve Abducens nucleus |
|---|
What is the path of the vagus nerve?
Course. The vagus nerve runs
from the brain through the face and thorax to the abdomen
. Exits the brain from the medulla oblongata of the brainstem and travels laterally exiting the skull through the jugular foramen.
What is the dorsal vagus nerve?
The dorsal vagus is
a large, primitive nerve that
is common to all animals, including fish. It goes down the spine and has a role in controlling our lungs, hearts (moderating heartbeats so they don’t get too rapid) and stomach (where it actually aids digestion).
How did I damage my vagus nerve?
A damaged vagus nerve can’t send signals normally to your stomach muscles. This may cause food to remain in your stomach longer, rather than move into your small intestine to be digested. The vagus nerve and its branches can be damaged by diseases,
such as diabetes
, or by surgery to the stomach or small intestine.
What aggravates the vagus nerve?
Sometimes the vagus nerve overreacts to certain stress triggers, such as:
exposure to extreme heat
.
fear of bodily harm
.
the sight of blood or having blood drawn
.
Is there a right and left vagus nerve?
Both right and left vagus nerves
descend from the brain in the carotid sheath, lateral to the carotid artery. … It forms the posterior vagal trunk at the lower part of the esophagus and enters the diaphragm through the esophageal hiatus.
What happens if you cut the vagus nerve?
If the vagus nerve becomes damaged by physical trauma or the growth of a tumor, it may cause digestive symptoms, or hoarseness,
paralysis of the vocal cords
and slowed heart rate.
What doctor treats the vagus nerve?
A neurologist
is an expert in diagnosing and treating problems of your brain, spinal cord and nerves, including these 8 neurological symptoms and disorders. A neurologist treats disorders that affect the brain, spinal cord and nerves.
What cranial nerve nuclei are located in pons?
- mid-pons: the ‘chief’ or ‘pontine’ nucleus of the trigeminal nerve sensory nucleus (V)
- mid-pons: the motor nucleus for the trigeminal nerve (V)
- lower down in the pons: abducens nucleus (VI)
- lower down in the pons: facial nerve nucleus (VII)
Where is the cranial nerve nuclei located?
The cranial nerve nuclei are a series of bilateral grey matter motor and sensory nuclei located in
the midbrain, pons and medulla
that are the collections of afferent and efferent cell bodies for many of the cranial nerves.
Where is the nuclei for cranial nerve 3 located?
Cranial Nerve III (Oculomotor)
The oculomotor nuclei are located in
the mesencephalon at the level of the superior colliculi
.
