From the Guidelines
The vagus nerve has several key branches, including the pharyngeal branch, superior laryngeal nerve, and recurrent laryngeal nerve, which play a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, such as swallowing, speech, and heart rate, as described in the 2022 update of the ACR Appropriateness Criteria for cranial neuropathy 1. The main branches of the vagus nerve include:
- The pharyngeal branch, which innervates the muscles of the pharynx
- The superior laryngeal nerve, which divides into internal and external branches to innervate the larynx
- The recurrent laryngeal nerve, which loops around the aortic arch on the left or subclavian artery on the right before ascending to supply most laryngeal muscles, as detailed in the study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology 1. These branches are essential for maintaining various bodily functions, and any damage or dysfunction can lead to significant morbidity and mortality, highlighting the importance of accurate diagnosis and treatment, as emphasized in the study 1. The vagus nerve's extensive branching allows it to regulate numerous vital functions, including heart rate, digestion, speech, swallowing, and cough reflex, making it one of the most widely distributed cranial nerves in the body, and its dysfunction can have severe consequences on quality of life, as noted in the study 1.