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

Those building this medical-consumer bridge might borrow notes from the long evolution underway in vagus nerve stimulation. —Naveen Rao, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025

This happens because rectal manipulation can stimulate the vagus nerve, which can slow down your heart rate too much. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 16 Feb. 2025

Look at an anatomy chart and the importance of the vagus nerve jumps out at you. —IEEE Spectrum, 29 May 2015

The vagus nerve—the part of your nervous system that’s responsible for regulating various unconscious bodily functions like your heart rate, immune response, and digestion—plays a major role in these symptoms. —Kathleen Ferraro, SELF, 15 Apr. 2025

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

Rhymes for vagus nerve

• conserve
• deserve
• manoeuvre
• observe
• preserve
• reserve
• subserve
• curve
• mirv
• serve
• swerve
• verve

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