Nerve
Vagus nerve (CN X)
Wandering nerve of the viscera
High-yield
Efferent limb of the gag reflex; recurrent laryngeal branch supplies most laryngeal muscles - injury causes hoarseness. Exits via the jugular foramen.
Overview
The tenth cranial nerve with the widest distribution, supplying pharyngeal and laryngeal muscles and parasympathetic innervation to the thoracic and abdominal viscera.
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Reference facts
- Roots
- Motor, sensory, and parasympathetic (cranial nerve)
- Course
- Exits the skull through the jugular foramen, descends in the carotid sheath, and continues into the thorax and abdomen (to the left colic flexure)
- Motor
- Pharyngeal constrictors, muscles of the soft palate (except tensor veli palatini), and laryngeal muscles
- Sensory
- Laryngopharynx and larynx; parasympathetic to thoracic and abdominal viscera; taste from the epiglottis
Clinical correlation
Recurrent laryngeal nerve injury (thyroid surgery, aortic pathology) → hoarseness or a weak voice.
Frequently asked questions
What type of nerve is the vagus nerve (CN X)?
The vagus nerve (CN X) is motor, sensory, and parasympathetic (cranial nerve).
What muscles does the vagus nerve (CN X) supply?
The vagus nerve (CN X) supplies the pharyngeal constrictors, muscles of the soft palate (except tensor veli palatini), and laryngeal muscles.
What is the sensory distribution of the vagus nerve (CN X)?
The vagus nerve (CN X) carries sensation from the laryngopharynx and larynx; parasympathetic to thoracic and abdominal viscera; taste from the epiglottis.
What is the course of the vagus nerve (CN X)?
Exits the skull through the jugular foramen, descends in the carotid sheath, and continues into the thorax and abdomen (to the left colic flexure).