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Vagus Nerve Afferent Signaling

Meaning

The crucial flow of sensory information transmitted from the body’s internal organs, particularly the gut, heart, and lungs, to the brain via the afferent fibers of the Vagus nerve. This signaling pathway is a primary mechanism for interoception, informing the central nervous system about the state of visceral health and influencing mood, inflammation, and hormonal release. Robust afferent signaling is essential for maintaining parasympathetic dominance and a balanced stress response. The health of this communication line is a direct indicator of the gut-brain axis integrity.