vagus nerve

noun

va·​gus nerve ˈvā-gəs- 

: either of the 10th pair of cranial nerves that arise from the medulla oblongata and supply chiefly the viscera especially with autonomic sensory and motor fibers

called also vagus

Examples of vagus nerve in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The vagus nerve signals the medulla—located in the brainstem—to initiate the cough reflex. —Jenny Sweigard, Verywell Health, 1 July 2024

While a person eats, hormonal messages traveling via the vagus nerve tell their pancreas to produce insulin, which converts glucose to energy and brings blood glucose levels back down. —Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 25 June 2024

Along with the immune system, there’s the vagus nerve that functions like a superhighway, running from the brain to the gut and directly interfacing with the microbiome. —Will Stone, NPR, 25 June 2024

The gut and the brain are connected via the vagus nerve. —Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 13 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin vagus nervus, literally, "wandering nerve,"; so called from its multiplicity of connecting points in the neck, thorax, and abdomen — more at vague

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

vagus nerve

noun

: either of the tenth pair of cranial nerves that arise from the medulla and supply chiefly the viscera especially with autonomic sensory and motor fibers

called also pneumogastric nerve, tenth cranial nerve, vagus