Left vagus nerve. Vagus nerve - symptoms and treatment of the problem. Anatomy and Physiology



The vagus nerve develops from the 4th and subsequent visceral arches. It is the longest of the cranial nerves. The vagus nerve - mixed "has 3 nuclei: 1) a sensitive nucleus of a solitary path; 2) motor - double core; 3) parasympathetic - the posterior nucleus of the vagus nerve (nucleus dorsalis neri vagi). The parasympathetic nucleus is located in the medulla oblongata between the nucleus of the hypoglossal nerve and the nucleus of the solitary tract, in the triangle of the vagus nerve (trigonum n. vagi), more superficial than the double nucleus. The vagus nerve exits medulla oblongata in its posterior lateral groove (sulcus lateralis posterior), below glossopharyngeal nerve. Its 10-15 roots form a thick nerve trunk, which, together with the glossopharyngeal and accessory nerves, leaves the cranial cavity through the anterior jugular foramen (foramen jugulare). The internal jugular vein passes through the posterior part of the opening. In the jugular foramen, the sensitive part of the vagus nerve forms a small upper or jugular node (ganglion superior, PNA; g. jugulare, BNA, ZhA) .. Below the jugular foramen is another sensory fusiform node. This is the lower or knotty node (ganglion inferius, PNA; g. nodosum BNA, JNA).
Initially, in embryos 9-11 mm long, the vagus nerve is presented as a group of longitudinal bundles of nerve fibers. They can be traced to the level of the bifurcation of the trachea, then the stomach and further to the small intestine.

Quite early in embryos 12 mm long, bundles of vagus nerve fibers begin to form the esophageal plexus (plexus esophageus). This process is quickly completed, already in embryos 14-23 mm long, with the formation of the anterior and posterior vagal trunks (truncus vagalis anterior et truncus vagalis posterior). From the formed food plexus, thin nerve branches are formed that penetrate the thickness of the wall of the esophagus.
It should be noted that already at the early stages of prenatal ontogenesis, the esophageal plexus is a holistic formation and the exchange of fibers between both vagus nerves takes place in it.
After leaving the cranial cavity, the vagus nerve descends down to the neck. IN upper section carotid triangle, it is located between the internal carotid artery and the internal jugular vein, and in the middle and lower part of it; lah - between the common carotid artery and the internal jugular vein.
This neurovascular bundle is located under the group; dino-cleidomastoid muscle. It is surrounded by a vagina formed by the parietal sheet of the fourth fascia of the neck. Inside this sheath, fixed to the transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae, there are partitions that form separate chambers for the artery, vein, and nerve.
The conductors of the general somatic afferent sensitivity arise from the neurons of the superior or jugular node of the vagus nerve. They go to the skin of the posterior wall of the outer ear canal and to the skin of the auricle. The conductors of the general visceral afferent sensitivity arise from the neurons of the inferior or nodular ganglion and go to the dura mater of the posterior cranial fossa, to the pharynx, larynx, trachea, esophagus, as well as to the organs and vessels of the thoracic and large part abdominal cavity.
Conductors of special visceral afferent sensitivity also arise from the neurons of the lower

or knotted knot. They conduct taste information from the taste buds scattered in the epithelium of the epiglottis (epiglottis).
The following branches depart from the head of the vagus nerve between its upper and lower sensory nodes: 1) sheath branch (r. meningeus), which returns through the jugular foramen to innervate the dura mater of the posterior cranial fossa; 2) ear branch (r. auricular is) - to the back wall of the external auditory canal and to the skin of the auricle. This is the only cutaneous branch of all the main nerves that are not related to the system trigeminal nerve. It goes through the mastoid canal temporal bone(canaliculus mastoideus) from the jugular fossa (fossa jugularis) of the temporal bone, crosses the descending segment of the canal facial nerve, goes through tympanic cavity and exits through the tympanomastoid gland (fissura tymponomastoidea).
In the neck region, the pharyngeal branches of the vagus nerve, together with the branches of the glossopharyngeal nerve and the postganglionic fibers of the superior cervical node sympathetic trunk form the pharyngeal plexus. From the pharyngeal branches of the vagus Nerve, motor and sensory innervation of the upper and middle constrictors of the pharynx (m. constrictor pharyngis superior et m. constrictor pharyngis medius), muscles of the soft palate, palatopharyngeal muscle (m.palatopharyngeus) and palatoglossus muscle (m. constrictor pharyngis superior et m. constrictor pharyngis medius) is carried out. palatoglossus). The pharyngeal plexus also gives sensitive fibers to the mucous membrane of the pharynx. In the carotid triangle, deeper than the internal and external carotid arteries, the superior laryngeal nerve (n. laryngeus superior) departs from the vagus nerve. It passes in an oblique direction and, behind the internal and external carotid arteries, gives off the external branch (ramus extemus) to the lower constrictor of the pharynx (m. constrictor pharyngis inferior) and the cricothyroid muscle (m. cricothyreoideus). Further, the nerve called the internal branch (ramus intemus) goes anteriorly along with the superior laryngeal artery (a.

laryngea superior) and a branch of the superior thyroid artery. It pierces the shield-hyoid membrane downward from the large horn of the hyoid bone and innervates with its branches the mucous membrane of the larynx above the glottis, the mucous membrane of the root of the tongue and epiglottis, as well as the thyroid gland. The external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve is also involved in the formation of the so-called depressor cardiac nerve or superior cardiac branches (n. depressor cordis, BNA; rr. cardiaci superiores, PNA). The depressor nerve runs along the wall of the common carotid artery in the thickness of her vagina. It forms connections with branches cervical sympathetic trunk and is involved in the formation of cardiac nerve plexuses. The superior laryngeal nerve also gives a connecting branch to the inferior laryngeal nerve (r. communicans cum n. laryngeo interiore). The lower laryngeal nerve (n. laryngeus interior) is a branch of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (n. laryngeus recurrens). It innervates the mucous membrane of the larynx below the glottis, as well as all the internal muscles of the larynx and the thyroid gland.
In the cervical part, a connecting branch departs from the vagus nerve to the IX pair of cranial nerves (r.communicans cum n. glossopharyngeo).

    1. Accessory nerve (n. accessorius)
The accessory nerve develops in connection with the last visceral arches. He is propulsive. In phylogenesis, the accessory nerve is first identified in turtles. In them, the accessory nerve is formed due to the last roots of the vagus nerve. The accessory nerve of mammals, in principle, does not differ from a similar human nerve. The accessory nerve is closely adjacent to both sensitive nodes of the vagus nerve and to the section of its trunk between them. In embryos 13-14 mm long, between the trunks of the X and XI pairs of cranial nerves below the base of the skull, neurofibrous cords are detected. On
the outer branch of the accessory nerve in embryos 15 mm long is divided into two branches that reach the anlages of the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles.
The motor nucleus of the accessory nerve is divided into two parts: cerebral and spinal (pars cerebralis et pars spinalis). Pars cerebralis is located in the medulla oblongata dorso-laterally from the nucleus of the olive and slightly below the double nucleus. Pars cerebralis continues directly into spinal cord(Cj-Cb). Here the motor nucleus is called its spinal part (pars spinalis). The roots of the brain part (radices craniales) emerge from the medulla oblongata below the vagus nerve, in the posterolateral groove, behind the olive. The roots from the spinal part (radicis spinales) are formed between the anterior and posterior roots of the spinal nerves (Sx-Sb) and partly between the anterior roots of the upper three cervical segments of the spinal cord.
Then the roots of the spinal part rise up, enter the cranial cavity through the large occipital foramen (foramen magnum) and join the roots of the brain part. Together they exit the skull through the anterior jugular foramen along with the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves. Then the accessory nerve enters the posterior part of the peripharyngeal space and is located in it medially from the internal jugular vein, outwards from the internal carotid artery and posteriorly from the glossopharyngeal nerve.
The accessory nerve is divided into internal (g. internus) and external (g. extemus) branches. The sternocleidomastoid muscle is innervated and perforated by the external branch of the accessory nerve. Then this branch comes out at the posterior edge of the muscle about 1.5 cm above its middle. Located further under the second fascia of the neck on the muscle that lifts the scapula (m.levator scapulae), the external branch of the accessory nerve goes obliquely down, under the anterior edge of the trapezius muscle (m. trapezius) and innervates it. The presence of a single source of innervation for the sternocleidomastoid

chico-mastoid and trapezius muscles indicates
about their common origin. The internal branch of the accessory nerve joins the vagus nerve and is part of its branches. In this case, the fibers from the brain part of the accessory nerve go as part of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (n. laryngeus recurrens) and then its final branch, the lower laryngeal nerve (n. laryngeus inferion). The laryngeal nerves innervate the muscles of the larynx, while the fibers coming from the spinal part of the accessory nerve as part of the pharyngeal branches (rami pharyngei) innervate the muscles of the pharynx.

The vagus nerve is an extremely interesting structure. This nerve is not just a passive transmitter of nerve impulses. Its sensory and motor neurons work together, taking an active part in regulating a wide variety of processes that tie together the work of the body and brain, human biology and psychology, health and dysfunction. We, massage therapists and chiropractors, are able to stimulate the vagus nerve with competent touch. How does stimulation of this kind affect the functioning of this nerve?

HANDYMAN

Active influence of the vagus nerve (or X pair cranial nerves) on our well-being consists in:

-increased stress resistance and accelerated recovery.

When the vagus nerve is exposed to stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, the motor neurons of its branches (Fig. 1) secrete the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (which was originally called "vagus substance", "vagustoff" from Latin nervus vagus - vagus nerve), and such hormone like oxytocin. Thus, it deactivates the sympathetic nervous system, helping to recover faster from stress.

- Control of inflammation and immunity.

The vagus nerve inhibits inflammation by releasing neurotransmitters in response to detection of inflammatory markers such as cytokines and markers of tumor necrosis. If this mechanism is disrupted, the development of autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic pain.

- Mood regulation

The vagus nerve is the most important link between the brain and the enteric nervous system, which regulates the functioning of smooth muscles. internal organs. The gut contains 100 million neurons, 30 neurotransmitters, and 95 percent of all serotonin found in the human body. The enteric nervous system sends a huge amount of information to the brain through sensory neurons. This information, in simple terms, regulates our mood and mental processes. A measure of vagal tone (i.e. its ability to respond and affect the heart) correlates with the likelihood of developing heart disease and diabetes, as well as emotional stability and anxiety levels.

VAGA NERVE ELECTRICAL STIMULATION

Vagus nerve electrical stimulation is a procedure for implanting an electrical pulse generator in the neck to permanently stimulate the vagus nerve. Despite the dreaded word "implantation", EBN therapy is not complete surgical operation on the brain. Device implantation is a simple surgical procedure that requires only a short hospital stay. Electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve is performed by a pulse generator installed under the skin, under the left collarbone or near the armpit. A small incision is made in the neck to attach two thin wires (electrodes) to the left vagus nerve. The wires are not visible from the outside. They travel under the skin from the pulse generator to the vagus nerve in the neck.

EBN has been successfully used to treat epilepsy, migraine, and drug-resistant depression. Research is underway to investigate the effects of EBN on patients with anxiety disorders, Alzheimer's disease, fibromyalgia, obesity, and tinnitus.

However, EBN therapy is a very risky measure, implying the possibility of complications (eg infection). In addition, the long-term effects of EBN on the human body have not yet been studied.

Of course, there are other less invasive and safer ways to stimulate the vagus nerve. For example, controlled breathing (with a lengthening of the expiratory phase), meditation, special movements and relaxation of the tongue, for example, when singing and speaking (stimulation occurs due to the innervation of the larynx and tongue by the vagus nerve), facial gymnastics (facial expressions have a double relationship with the function of the vagus nerve, motor and emotional), improving the condition of the intestines, physical exercise and sufficient rest and, most importantly, the fight against stress and excitement.

However, from a pragmatic point of view, massage therapists and manual therapists the question often arises: "How can I affect this nerve through touch, and what will it lead to?"

VAGA NERVE AND HUMAN EAR

The human ear is the only place where the vagus nerve reaches the surface of the body (by the auricular, ear branch, Fig. 2). Transcutaneous stimulation of this branch can be used to treat a variety of diseases associated with the vagus nerve. In Europe, this method is used to treat epilepsy, migraine and chronic pain.

The auricular branch of the vagus nerve is composed of sensory neurons, therefore, sensory stimulation of the parts of the ear innervated by the vagus nerve (Figure 3) stimulates vagus nerve activity. In most therapeutic cases, deactivation of the sympathetic nervous system is required. Gentle, delicate touches of medium intensity (Fig. 4) demonstrate the greatest effectiveness. A study on the effect of massage on the vagus nerve in infants found that this nerve responded better to moderate-intensity touch than to light or high-intensity touch. For many clients, inclusion in a session with the ears may come as a surprise - first ask permission, explain the essence and purpose of your manipulations.

Does it have a positive effect manual therapy to the vagus nerve? Of course it is. Of course, the effect will be as pronounced and fast as with direct continuous electrical stimulation, however, studies show that in this case there is certainly a clinically significant effect on vagal tone. Understanding the function and structure of the vagus nerve stimulates your imagination and creativity as a therapist. Ear work is especially helpful for headaches and temporomandibular joint dysfunction, due to the vagus nerve's ability to relax both the body and the emotional component of a person.

VAGUS NERVE TECHNIQUE(Illustrations - fig.4, fig.5)

TARGET

Increased activity of the vagus nerve with gentle stimulation to increase sensation.

INDICATIONS FOR USE

Headache, migraine

Dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint.

Stress, anxiety, hyperexcitability of the sympathetic nervous system

Possible positive effect in the treatment of tinnitus, mood disorders, digestive problems, work disorders immune system and autoimmune diseases.

INSTRUCTIONS

Use gentle touch, applying moderate pressure, or light traction on the pinna to increase the sensitivity of the areas of the ear innervated by the vagus nerve.

For migraines and temporomandibular joint dysfunction, find areas hypersensitivity and use active jaw work techniques.

VERBAL HELP

“Exhale as slowly as possible, push all the air out of the lungs”

"Try to relax your tongue"

“Try humming your favorite song while keeping your neck and jaw relaxed.”

For migraines:

"Spin eyeballs alternately looking right and left

For TMJ dysfunction:

“Gently open your mouth, trying to keep your lower jaw as far away from your ears as possible.”

Table of contents for the topic "Cranial Nerves.":
  1. Facial nerve (VII pair, 7th pair of cranial nerves), n. facialis (n. intermediofacialis).
  2. Branches of the facial nerve (n. facialis) in the facial canal. Greater stony nerve, n. petrosus major. Drum string, chorda tympani.
  3. The remaining branches of the facial nerve after exiting the stylomastoid foramen (foramen stylomastoideum). Intermediate nerve, n. intermediate.
  4. Vestibulocochlear nerve (VIII pair, 8 pair of cranial nerves), n. vestibulocochlearis. Parts of the prevernocochlear nerve.
  5. Glossopharyngeal nerve (IX pair, 9 pair of cranial nerves), n. glossopharyngeus. Nuclei of the glossopharyngeal nerve.
  6. Branches of the vagus nerve in the head and neck n. vagus.
  7. Branches of the vagus nerve in the thoracic and abdominal parts n. vagus. Recurrent laryngeal nerve, n. laryngeus recurrents.
  8. Accessory nerve (XI pair, 11 pair of cranial nerves), n. accessorius.
  9. Oculomotor nerve (III pair, 3rd pair, third pair of cranial nerves), n. oculomotorius.
  10. Block nerve (IV pair, 4 pair, fourth pair of cranial nerves), n. trochlearis.
  11. Abducens nerve (VI pair, 6 pair, sixth pair of cranial nerves), n. abducens.
  12. Olfactory nerves (I pair, 1 pair, first pair of cranial nerves), nn. olfactorii.
  13. Optic nerve (II pair, 2 pair, second pair of cranial nerves), n. opticus.

N. vagus, vagus nerve, which developed from the 4th and subsequent gill arches, is so called due to the vastness of its distribution. It is the longest of the cranial nerves. The vagus nerve supplies its branches respiratory organs, a significant part digestive tract (before colon sigmoideum), and also gives branches to the heart, which receives fibers from it that slow the heartbeat. N.vagus contains three kinds of fibers:

1. Afferent (sensory) fibers, coming from the receptors of the named viscera and vessels, as well as from some part of the hard shell of the brain and the external auditory meatus with the auricle to sensitive nucleus (nucleus solitarius).

2. Efferent (motor) fibers for voluntary muscles of the pharynx, soft palate and larynx, and efferent (proprioceptive) fibers emanating from the receptors of these muscles. These muscles receive fibers from motor nucleus(nucleus ambiguus).

3. Efferent (parasympathetic) fibers coming from vegetative nucleus (nucleus dorsalis n. vagi). They go to the myocardium of the heart (slow down the heartbeat) and the muscular membrane of the vessels (dilute the vessels). In addition, the composition of the cardiac branches of the vagus nerve includes the so-called n. depressor, which serves as a sensitive nerve for the heart itself and the initial part of the aorta and is in charge of the reflex regulation of blood pressure. Parasympathetic fibers also innervate the trachea and lungs (narrow the bronchi), esophagus, stomach and intestines. to colon sigmoideum(increase peristalsis), incorporated in the named organs of the gland and gland of the abdominal cavity - the liver, pancreas (secretory fibers), kidneys.

Parasympathetic part of the vagus nerve is very large, as a result of which it is predominantly an autonomic nerve, important for the vital functions of the body. The vagus nerve is a complex system consisting not only of nerve conductors of heterogeneous origin, but also containing intrastem nerve nodules.


Fibers of all kinds associated with three main nuclei of the vagus nerve, exit the medulla oblongata in its sulcus lateralis posterior, below the lingual tract nerve, with 10-15 roots that form a thick nerve trunk that leaves the cranial cavity together with the lingual tract and accessory nerves through the foramen jugulare. In the jugular foramen, the sensitive part of the nerve forms a small knot - ganglion superius, and at the exit from the hole - another ganglionic thickening of a fusiform shape - ganglion inferius. Both nodes contain pseudo-unipolar cells, the peripheral processes of which are part of the sensitive branches that go to the named nodes or receptors of the viscera and vessels ( ganglion inferius) and external auditory meatus ( ganglion superius), and the central ones are grouped into a single bundle, which ends in sensitive nucleus, nucleus solitarius.

Upon exiting the cranial cavity trunk of the vagus nerve goes down to the neck behind the vessels in the groove, first between v. jugularis interna and a. carotis interna, and below - between the same vein and a. carotis communis, and it lies in the same vagina with the named vessels. The vagus nerve then enters through the superior foramen chest V chest cavity, where its right trunk is located in front of a. subclavia, and the left one is on the anterior side of the aortic arch. Going down, both vagus nerves bypass the root of the lung behind on both sides and accompany the esophagus, forming plexuses on its walls, with the left nerve running along the front side, and the right one along the back. Together with the esophagus, both vagus nerves penetrate through the hiatus esophageus of the diaphragm into the abdominal cavity, where they form plexuses on the walls of the stomach. Trunks of the vagus nerves in the uterine period, they are located symmetrically on the sides of the esophagus. After turning the stomach from left to right, the left vagus moves forward, and the right back, as a result of which it branches on the anterior surface left vagus, and on the back - right.

Nervus vagus(n. vagus) innervates the membranes of the brain, organs of the neck, chest cavity, most of the organs of the abdomen. Impulses flow along the fibers of the vagus nerve, which slow down the heartbeat, narrow the bronchi, increase peristalsis and relax the intestinal sphincters, increase the secretion of glands, etc. The vagus nerve contains sensory, motor and secretory fibers. Sensory fibers are the central processes of the pseudounipolar neurons of the upper and lower nodes of the vagus nerve. The upper node (ganglion superius) of the vagus nerve is located at the level of the jugular foramen, the lower node (ganglion inferius) is slightly lower. The motor fibers of the vagus nerve originate from a double nucleus located in the tegmentum of the medulla oblongata. Autonomic preganglionic parasympathetic fibers originate from the posterior nucleus of the vagus nerve. In addition, the vagus nerve contains sympathetic fibers that come to it as part of the connecting branches from the sympathetic trunk.

The vagus nerve emerges from the medulla oblongata 10-18 roots behind the olive, next to the glossopharyngeal and accessory nerves. The roots of the vagus nerve unite into one trunk that runs through the anterior part of the jugular foramen. After leaving the opening, the vagus nerve is initially located behind the glossopharyngeal nerve and anterior to the accessory nerve and internal jugular vein, lateral and anterior to the hypoglossal nerve. On the neck, the vagus nerve passes between the internal jugular vein and the internal carotid artery, and below - between the same vein and the common carotid artery. The common carotid artery, the vagus nerve, and the internal jugular vein form a neurovascular bundle on the neck, surrounded by a common connective tissue sheath. The vagus nerve then enters the chest cavity posterior mediastinum. The right vagus nerve passes in front of the right subclavian artery, the left vagus nerve - in front of the aortic arch. Below the vagus nerve runs along the posterior surface of the root of the lung on its side. Further, both nerves are adjacent to the outer surface of the esophagus. The left vagus nerve gradually shifts to the anterior surface of the esophagus, the right one to its posterior surface. The vagus nerves, along with the esophagus, pass through the diaphragm into the abdominal cavity. The left vagus nerve is located on the anterior wall of the stomach, the right - on the back.

As part of the vagus nerve, according to the topographic principle, the head, cervical, thoracic and abdominal sections are distinguished.

From the head of the vagus nerve (to the level of the jugular foramen), the meningeal and ear branches depart:

  1. meningeal branch (r. meningeus) from the superior node of the vagus nerve goes to the hard shell of the brain in the region of the posterior cranial fossa, and then to the occipital and transverse sinuses;
  2. the ear branch (r. auricularis) from the superior node of the vagus nerve passes in the mastoid canal of the temporal bone, innervates the skin of the posterior wall of the external auditory canal and outer surface auricle.

Several branches depart from the cervical region:

  1. pharyngeal branches (rr. pharyngei, s. pharyngealis) in the amount of two or three go to the walls of the pharynx, where, together with the branches of the lingual-pharyngeal nerve and the superior sympathetic ganglion, they form the pharyngeal plexus (plexus pharyngeus). From the pharyngeal plexus, muscles are innervated - constrictors of the pharynx; levator muscle soft sky; uvula muscle (palatine), palatoglossal and palatopharyngeal muscles. Sensitive branches of the pharyngeal plexus innervate the mucous membrane of the pharynx and the root of the tongue, as well as the thyroid and parathyroid glands;
  2. the upper cervical cardiac branches (rr. cardiaci cervicales superiors) depart in the amount of one to three from the vagus nerve or from the superior laryngeal nerve, descend along the common carotid artery. These branches run along the back surface thyroid gland, then the left branches - along the anterior surface of the aortic arch and are part of the cardiac plexuses. The left upper cervical cardiac branches are involved in the formation of the superficial extraorganic cardiac plexus, the right ones enter the deep cardiac plexus. The upper cervical cardiac branches also innervate the thymus and thyroid gland;
  3. the superior laryngeal nerve (n. laryngeus superior) departs from the inferior node of the vagus nerve, goes forward along the lateral surface of the pharynx posteriorly from the internal and external carotid arteries. At the level of the hyoid bone, the superior laryngeal nerve divides into external and internal branches. The external branch (r. externus) innervates the lower constrictor of the pharynx, the cricothyroid muscle, and gives fibers to the thyroid gland. The internal branch (r. internus), sensitive in composition, together with the superior laryngeal artery pierces the thyroid-hyoid membrane and innervates the mucous membrane of the larynx above the glottis and the mucous membrane of the root of the tongue.
  4. recurrent laryngeal nerve (n. laryngeus reccurens) has a different origin on the right and left. The right recurrent laryngeal nerve departs from the vagus nerve at the level of the subclavian artery, bends around it from below and behind, and rises along the lateral surface of the trachea. The left recurrent laryngeal nerve begins at the level of the aortic arch, bends around it from below in the anterior-posterior direction, goes up in the groove between the esophagus and trachea. Tracheal branches depart from the recurrent laryngeal nerves. terminal branch recurrent nerve on each side is the lower laryngeal nerve (n. laryngeus inferior), which innervates the mucous membrane of the larynx below the glottis and all the muscles of the larynx, except for the cricoid.

IN thoracic region branches from the vagus nerve to the internal organs:

  1. thoracic cardiac branches (rr. cardiaci thoracici) are sent to extraorganic superficial and deep cardiac plexuses;
  2. bronchial branches (rr. bronchiales) go to lung root, where, together with sympathetic nerves form a pulmonary plexus (plexus pulmonalis), which surrounds the bronchi, entering with them into the lung;
  3. esophageal branches (rr. esophageales) are involved in the formation of the esophageal plexus (plexus esophageus) located on the surface of the esophagus, the branches of which go to its walls, muscles and mucous membrane.

The abdominal part of the vagus nerve is represented by the anterior and posterior vagus trunks emerging from the esophageal plexus and their branches:

  1. the anterior vagus trunk (truncus vagalis anterior) passes from the anterior surface of the esophagus to the anterior wall of the stomach, located along its lesser curvature. From the anterior vagus trunk to the stomach, the anterior gastric branches (rr. gastricianteriores) and the hepatic branches (rr. hepatici) depart, which go between the sheets of the lesser omentum to the liver;
  2. posterior vagal trunk (truncus vagalis posterior) passes to back wall stomach, located mainly along its lesser curvature. The posterior vagus trunk gives off the posterior gastric branches (rr. gastrici posteriores) and celiac branches (rr. coeliaci), which go along the left gastric artery to the celiac plexus.

Vagus fibers conduct impulses to organs in the head region (they innervate the larynx, palate and middle ear region), as well as the chest and abdominal cavities.

The main functions of the vagus nerve are associated with the work of the parasympathetic nervous system. What does it mean? - IN nervous system Man has a pair of opposites - the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system.

sympathetic- associated with the activation of the body, vigorous activity, aimed at increasing the speed of reactions, intensive production of hormones, prepares for running, for fighting.

Parasympathetic nervous system - prepares the body for relaxation, recuperation, digestion of food, sleep, sex and other activities associated with pleasure. Thus, the vagus nerve partly regulates the mood and sleep of a person.

With chronic overexcitation of the nervous system, muscle hypertonicity And similar conditions vagus nerve dysfunction.

Where is the vagus nerve located? - You can feel it yourself directly in the hole under the earlobe.

Coming out of the jugular foramen of the brain, the vagus descends along the side of the neck as part of the neurovascular bundle along with the carotid artery and internal jugular vein. Passes near the trachea and pharynx, innervating them. Further, the vagus passes into the chest cavity, its right branch goes next to the right subclavian artery, and the left - in front of the aortic arch. Both branches approach the lower part of the esophagus, passing from it in front and behind, and regulate its functions. Further, through the opening of the diaphragm, both nerve fibers enter the abdominal cavity. They innervate the stomach. Then part of the fibers goes to the liver, part - to the celiac (or solar) plexus. From the celiac plexus, the fibers are suitable for all organs of the abdominal cavity, except lower divisions colon and pelvic organs.

The vagus nerve in its composition has fibers responsible for motor skills and sensory (mixed type), but all its activity is still associated with the autonomic nervous system - from the word "vegetable" - "vegetable" (that which cannot be controlled by consciousness) - as opposed to somatic nervous system - from the word "soma" - "body" (we can consciously control the movement of muscles).

Dysfunction symptoms

Since the vagus nerve innervates the larynx, its damage leads to problems with speech and uncomfortable swallowing, to the loss of the gag reflex. Job disruption gastrointestinal tract- also one of the manifestations of vagus dysfunction, manifested in loss of appetite, there may be a feeling of satiety after taking a small amount food.

Reasons for the defeat

One of the causes of damage to the vagus nerve is diabetes. The mechanism that destroys nerve fibers, has not been fully explored. The causes of damage and irritation of the vagus nerve can also be injuries to the body received, for example, during car accident and others when a pinched nerve has occurred. Surgery can also affect how the nerve works.

Vagus Nerve Exercises

Preparation:

  • Sit upright in a chair with your hands folded in your lap
  • Place both feet on the floor and take a deep breath

Neck area

  • Stretch your head as far as possible with the top of your head up and turn it to the left and right. Repeat this movement several times.

Lower jaw area

  • Move lower jaw, slowly opening and closing your mouth, moving it from side to side, back and forth. Feel the jaw muscles, the tension of which can cause pain. Do this exercise until you feel slight fatigue in your jaw.

Eyes

  • Open and close your eyes. See in different sides without moving your head - left and right, up and down. Alternately open your eyes wide and squint.

Facial muscles

  • Remember your childhood, and for a few minutes, "make faces", trying to use as many facial muscles as possible.

Middle ear

  • Listen. Hear background sounds environment such as the creaking of chairs, the sound of tires passing through the street, the chirping of birds, the sound of an elevator, the sound of a computer running, the sound of an air conditioner or fan.

Throat

  • First make a few coughing movements (as if something is in the trachea), and then swallow the saliva.

Larynx

  • Start developing your voice, for example, you can hiss like a snake, or roar like a lion. The main thing is that these sounds lead to tension in the muscles of the larynx.
  • Feel the vibration in the larynx, the vibration sound should reach the diaphragm and disperse throughout the abdomen.

Listen to how you feel, especially the feeling in your chest. Pay attention to every, no matter how small, positive change. With the daily implementation of this complex, you will increase the tone of the vagus nerve and the whole body, revive the internal energy!

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