From the Guidelines
The vagus nerve has several branches, including the pharyngeal branch, superior laryngeal nerve, recurrent laryngeal nerve, cardiac branches, pulmonary branches, esophageal branches, and gastric branches, which play a crucial role in regulating various autonomic functions in the body. The main branches of the vagus nerve can be summarized as follows:
- Pharyngeal branch: supplies the pharyngeal muscles and mucosa
- Superior laryngeal nerve: divides into internal and external branches to innervate the laryngeal mucosa and cricothyroid muscle
- Recurrent laryngeal nerve: supplies most intrinsic laryngeal muscles
- Cardiac branches: contribute to cardiac plexuses
- Pulmonary branches: help form the pulmonary plexus
- Esophageal branches: innervate the esophagus
- Gastric branches: supply the stomach Additional branches include the auricular branch to the external ear, meningeal branches to the dura mater, and branches to the celiac, hepatic, and splenic plexuses in the abdomen, as mentioned in 1. The anatomy of the recurrent laryngeal nerve is further described in 1, highlighting its importance in thyroidectomy procedures. These branches allow the vagus nerve to perform its extensive parasympathetic functions, regulating heart rate, respiration, digestion, and other vital autonomic processes throughout the thorax and abdomen.
From the Research
Branches of the Vagus Nerve
The vagus nerve is a complex nerve with various branches that innervate different parts of the body. Some of the key branches include:
- Pharyngeal branches: The vagus nerve contains motor fibers to the pharyngeal muscles 2
- Laryngeal branches: The vagus nerve gives rise to the recurrent laryngeal nerve, which is formed by the cranial portion of the accessory nerve joining the motor fibers of the vagus nerve 2
- Visceral branches: The vagus nerve contains visceral afferent fibers from laryngeal, intrathoracic and abdominal organs, as well as parasympathetic efferent fibers for these organs 2
Functions of the Vagus Nerve Branches
The branches of the vagus nerve have various functions, including:
- Innervating the muscles of the pharynx and larynx
- Regulating the function of intrathoracic and abdominal organs
- Transmitting sensory information from these organs to the central nervous system 2