The longest nerve in the human body is the vagus nerve, also known as the nervus vagus. It earned its unusual name because its branches seem to “wander” around the body, starting in the brain and reaching organs such as the heart, lungs, stomach, and intestines. This nerve controls many important functions: from the heartbeat and breathing to digestion and even the gag reflex. Scientists still don’t know much about this amazing part of the human body, so they are constantly studying it and making unexpected discoveries. Here are some amazing facts about the vagus nerve. We assure you, you will learn a lot of interesting things!
The nuclei of the vagus nerve are located in the human medulla oblongata
Contents
- 1 The vagus nerve was discovered 2,000 years ago
- 2 Where is the vagus nerve
- 3 Electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve treats diseases
- 4 The vagus nerve can cause fainting
- 5 Stimulation of the vagus nerve can change the voice
- 6 The vagus nerve causes hiccups
The vagus nerve was discovered 2,000 years ago
According to Smithsonian Magazine, the vagus nerve has been known since ancient times. One of the first to notice it was the famous physician and scientist Galen, who lived about 2,000 years ago. He named the nerve “vagus,” which is Latin for “wandering,” because its branches extend throughout the body. Galen noted that the nerve plays an important role in controlling various internal organs, but its full significance remained a mystery for centuries.
Ancient Roman physician Galen. Image source: wikipedia.org
A real breakthrough in the study of the vagus nerve occurred only in the 20th century, thanks to the Belgian physiologist Corney Heymans. In 1938, he won the Nobel Prize for his research into the mechanisms of respiration, proving that the vagus nerve directly influences the rate of respiration and other important processes. This discovery was a revolutionary step in understanding the nervous system and the role of the vagus nerve in maintaining vital functions of the body.
Where is the vagus nerve
The vagus nerve is a true highway of communication between the brain and the internal organs. It originates in the medulla oblongata, where the brain connects to the spine. Unlike most nerves, which exit the spinal cord directly through the spaces between the vertebrae, the vagus nerve comes directly from the brain, passing through special openings in the skull.
After leaving the skull, this nerve branches out like trees, and its branches spread throughout the body. One of the largest branches wraps around the carotid artery in the neck, and then goes to such vital organs as the heart, lungs, stomach and intestines. These numerous branches of the vagus nerve are like a network of roads leading to different “cities” of our body, where they control and regulate the most important processes.
The vagus nerve is highlighted in yellow. Image source: releaseology.com
After the medulla oblongata, the vagus nerve divides into two parts – right and left. They are connected to different organs, and, for example, the right nerve is longer than the left because the body's organs, such as the heart and liver, are located asymmetrically. This amazing nerve really resembles a branched road network, where each path leads to its own goal, helping our body work harmoniously and efficiently.
Electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve treats diseases
Doctors believe that electrical nerve stimulation can treat diseases – this therapy is used to eliminate many neurological and psychological disorders. Doctors use this method in cases where drug treatment is ineffective, especially in epilepsy.
The procedure involves attaching a pulse generator to the left vagus nerve, which sends out weak electrical signals to stimulate the nerve. This helps reduce the frequency of attacks and improve the condition of patients.
Vagus Nerve Stimulation Device. Image Source: dzen.ru
However, the possibilities of this unusual therapy do not end there. Research shows that electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve can have a beneficial effect on memory, improve cognitive function, and even help cope with problems such as migraines, depression, and obesity. Although the mechanism of this action has not yet been fully studied, scientists associate a wide range of positive effects with the fact that the vagus nerve regulates the work of many organs and systems of the body.
Related article:Does Electrical Vagus Nerve Stimulation Treat Depression and Obesity?
Vagus Nerve Can Cause Fainting
The vagus nerve can cause loss of consciousness when it becomes overactive. This condition is called vasovagal syncope. It usually occurs when the nerve suddenly slows the heart rate and causes blood vessels to dilate, which lowers blood pressure. As a result, the brain receives less oxygen, which causes loss of consciousness. Before this, a person may feel dizzy, have a rapid heartbeat, or feel weak. These fainting spells are usually short-lived and harmless.
The vagus nerve is connected to many organs, so its stimulation can lead to anything. Image source: mk.ru
The main causes of such fainting spells are strong emotions, fear, pain, or even the sight of blood. For example, a person may faint during medical procedures or severe stress. Standing in one place for a long time, stuffiness, or dehydration can also cause the vagus nerve to activate. It is important to remember that this is a fairly common phenomenon, and although it is more common in younger people, in most cases the condition does not require serious medical intervention.
Read also: What happens to a person when they lose consciousness
Stimulation of the vagus nerve can change the voice
Stimulating the vagus nerve during treatment can cause changes in a person's voice. This is because it controls many important functions, including control of the vocal cords. When this nerve is stimulated, impulses can be sent to the larynx, causing the vocal cords to tighten and change position. As a result, the voice may become hoarse or change in pitch.
After vagus nerve stimulation, a person's voice can become completely different. Image source: dzen.ru
Despite these side effects, many patients find the changes in their voice to be easy to bear, especially when compared to the symptoms of their underlying condition, such as epilepsy. Although the voice may sound different, it is rarely a serious problem. In fact, research into these changes helps to better understand how the vocal cords work and may lead to new treatments for those with voice problems in the future.
The Vagus Nerve Causes Hiccups
Stimulating the vagus nerve can not only change your voice, but also cause a rather unexpected reaction – hiccups. This is because the vagus nerve also controls the diaphragm, which is responsible for breathing. When stimulation disrupts the usual signals, it can provoke spasms of the diaphragm and, as a result, hiccups.
Surprisingly, the vagus nerve is also often to blame for hiccups. Image source: novochag.ru
Have you already subscribed to our Zen channel? If not, it's time to fix that!
If you are bothered by hiccups, we have useful material that will definitely come in handy. Pay attention to our article “How to get rid of hiccups in 5 minutes: these methods will definitely help” – it contains simple but effective methods that will help you cope with hiccups in the shortest possible time!