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Vagus Nerve

Meaning

The Vagus Nerve, or Cranial Nerve X, is the longest and most anatomically complex of the cranial nerves, extending from the brainstem down through the neck and into the abdomen, establishing connections with the heart, lungs, and most of the digestive tract. It is the principal component of the parasympathetic nervous system, centrally responsible for the essential “rest and digest” state, and is crucial for regulating heart rate variability, gastrointestinal motility, immune response, and emotional regulation. Its integrity is fundamental to overall autonomic balance and systemic health.