Vagus Nerve Flashcards

Follow the vagus nerve from the brainstem to the abdominal viscera, exploring its vagal trunks, branches, ganglia, and parasympathetic functions.

Card 1 of 30Question

Which cranial nerve is the vagus nerve?

Cranial nerve X, the tenth cranial nerve.

In This Section

1. Which cranial nerve is the vagus nerve?

Cranial nerve X, the tenth cranial nerve.

2. Which brainstem region gives rise to the vagus nerve?

The medulla oblongata.

3. Which brainstem nucleus provides most preganglionic parasympathetic fibers to the abdominal viscera?

The dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus.

4. Through which skull opening does the vagus nerve leave the cranial cavity?

The jugular foramen.

5. What is the functional classification of the vagus nerve?

A mixed cranial nerve containing motor, sensory, and parasympathetic fibers.

6. Which autonomic division is carried by the vagus nerve to abdominal organs?

The parasympathetic division.

7. Which nerve network is formed by vagal branches around the thoracic esophagus?

The esophageal plexus.

8. What are the two main vagal nerve trunks entering the abdomen?

The anterior vagal trunk and posterior vagal trunk.

9. Which vagus nerve contributes predominantly to the anterior vagal trunk?

The left vagus nerve.

10. Which vagus nerve contributes predominantly to the posterior vagal trunk?

The right vagus nerve.

11. Through which diaphragmatic opening do the vagal trunks enter the abdomen?

The esophageal hiatus, approximately at vertebral level T10.

12. What is the relationship of the anterior vagal trunk to the abdominal esophagus?

It lies predominantly on the anterior surface of the esophagus.

13. What is the relationship of the posterior vagal trunk to the abdominal esophagus?

It lies predominantly on the posterior surface of the esophagus.

14. Which branch of the anterior vagal trunk travels toward the liver?

The hepatic branch.

15. Through which peritoneal ligament do hepatic vagal branches commonly travel?

The lesser omentum, particularly the hepatoduodenal ligament.

16. Which major branch of the posterior vagal trunk communicates with the celiac plexus?

The celiac branch.

17. Do preganglionic vagal parasympathetic fibers synapse in the celiac ganglia?

No. They pass through the celiac plexus without synapsing in its sympathetic ganglia.

18. Where do vagal preganglionic parasympathetic fibers typically synapse in abdominal organs?

In terminal or intramural ganglia near or within the target organ walls.

19. Which abdominal organs receive parasympathetic fibers through the gastric branches of the vagal trunks?

The stomach and adjacent distal esophageal region.

20. What are the nerves of Latarjet?

Longitudinal gastric branches of the anterior and posterior vagal trunks along the lesser curvature of the stomach.

21. Which gastric region receives terminal branches called the crow's foot?

The distal stomach, particularly the pyloric antrum.

22. Which embryological gastrointestinal divisions receive vagal parasympathetic innervation?

The foregut and midgut.

23. What is the approximate distal limit of vagal parasympathetic supply in the large intestine?

The proximal two-thirds of the transverse colon, near the midgut-hindgut junction.

24. Which nerves supply parasympathetic innervation distal to the vagal territory in the hindgut?

The pelvic splanchnic nerves arising from S2 to S4.

25. How does vagal parasympathetic stimulation generally affect gastrointestinal motility?

It promotes gastrointestinal motility and peristalsis.

26. What effect does vagal stimulation have on gastric acid secretion?

It stimulates gastric acid secretion through direct and indirect cholinergic pathways.

27. Which gastrointestinal nerve plexuses interact with vagal parasympathetic fibers?

The myenteric (Auerbach) and submucosal (Meissner) plexuses.

28. Where are the cell bodies of vagal visceral sensory neurons located?

Primarily in the inferior vagal (nodose) ganglion.

29. What is a vagotomy?

Surgical division of vagal nerve fibers to reduce vagally mediated gastric acid secretion.

30. What gastrointestinal complication can follow interruption of vagal innervation to the stomach?

Delayed gastric emptying due to impaired vagally mediated gastric motility.