Vagus Nerve: Functions & Disorders
Vagus Nerve: Functions & Disorders
There are 12 cranial nerves in the body. They come in pairs and help link
the brain with other areas of the body, such as the head, neck, and torso.
While some cranial nerves have either sensory or motor functions, others
have both. The vagus nerve is such a nerve. The cranial nerves are
classified using Roman numerals based on their location. The vagus nerve
is also called cranial nerve X.
The vagus nerve also called the pneumogastric nerve, is responsible for
various internal organ functions, including:
digestion
heart rate
breathing
cardiovascular activity
https://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/trigeminal-nerve#takeaway 1/22
11/30/24, 9:08 PM Trigeminal Nerve: Function, Anatomy, and Diagram
It may also form a link between the gut and the brain, playing a role in
what scientists call the gut-brain axis. In recent years, experts have been
studying the gut-brain axis to look for links between conditions such as
obesity and depression.
ADVERTISEMENT
The vagus nerve sensory functions are divided into two components:
providing somatic sensation information for the skin behind the ear,
the external part of the ear canal, and certain parts of the throat
playing a small role in the sensation of taste near the root of the
tongue
https://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/trigeminal-nerve#takeaway 2/22
11/30/24, 9:08 PM Trigeminal Nerve: Function, Anatomy, and Diagram
stimulating muscles in the pharynx, larynx, and the soft palate, which
is the fleshy area near the back of the roof of the mouth
stimulating muscles in the heart, where it helps to lower resting
heart rate
If the person does not gag, this may be due to a problem with the vagus
nerve, which could indicate a problem with the brainstem function.
Nerve damage
difficulty speaking
difficulty swallowing
https://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/trigeminal-nerve#takeaway 3/22
11/30/24, 9:08 PM Trigeminal Nerve: Function, Anatomy, and Diagram
nausea or vomiting
abdominal bloating or pain
The symptoms someone might have depend on what part of the nerve is
damaged.
Vagal nerve dysfunction can cause both slow and fast heart rates
depending on the type of dysfunction.
For example, overactivity can lead to bradycardia (or slow heart rate)
while disease causing insufficient activity of the vagus nerve can lead to
tachycardia (fast heart rate).
Gastroparesis
Experts believe that damage to the vagus nerve may also cause a
condition called gastroparesis. This condition affects the involuntary
contractions of the digestive system, which prevents the stomach from
properly emptying.
acid reflux
https://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/trigeminal-nerve#takeaway 4/22
11/30/24, 9:08 PM Trigeminal Nerve: Function, Anatomy, and Diagram
Vasovagal syncope
The vagus nerve stimulates certain muscles in the heart that help to slow
heart rate. When it overreacts, it can cause a sudden drop in heart rate
and blood pressure, resulting in fainting. This is known as vasovagal
syncope.
Factors that can trigger this include pregnancy, emotional stress, and
pain, but there may be no clear cause.
warmth
nausea
tunnel vision
If you experience fainting, it’s a good idea to see a doctor to rule out
potential serious causes. To prevent it, a doctor may recommend drinking
plenty of fluids or avoiding standing up quickly.
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) involves placing a device in the body that
uses electrical impulses to stimulate the nerve. It’s used to treat some
cases of epilepsy and depression that don’t respond to other treatments.
Experts believe the vagus nerve might form a link between depression,
metabolic disease, and heart disease. If research can confirm this,
researchers say VNS could help with a variety of health issues.
The device is usually placed under the skin of the chest, where a wire
connects it to the left vagus nerve. Once the device is activated, it sends
signals through the vagus nerve to your brainstem, transmitting
information to your brain.
It’s thought that VNS could help treat a range of other conditions in the
future, including multiple sclerosis , posterior autoimmune uveitis,
Alzheimer’s disease, and cluster headaches .
ADVERTISEMENT
If VNS can help manage depression, some people have been looking into
various ways of stimulating the vagus nerve to boost mental well-being.
https://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/trigeminal-nerve#takeaway 6/22
11/30/24, 9:08 PM Trigeminal Nerve: Function, Anatomy, and Diagram
These include:
biofeedback
yoga
However, there is not enough evidence to prove that all these devices
and techniques are safe and effective for everyone. Always speak with a
doctor before trying a new treatment strategy, as it may not be suitable
for you.
Rheumatoid arthritis
There is some evidence that VNS can help reduce the severity of
rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an inflammatory condition that causes pain and
swelling in the joints and other symptoms throughout the body.
While promising, more studies are needed to confirm that VNS can help
manage RA safely and effectively in a wider population.
Takeaway
The vagus nerve plays a role in many bodily functions, and it may form a
link between areas such as the brain and the gut. Treatments that focus
on the vagus nerve have proved to help people with epilepsy and
depression, and it shows promise for rheumatoid arthritis, too.
https://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/trigeminal-nerve#takeaway 7/22
11/30/24, 9:08 PM Trigeminal Nerve: Function, Anatomy, and Diagram
Some experts believe that further research may offer clues to managing
diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and other conditions that involve
inflammatory processes.
SOURCES HISTORY v
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we
update our articles when new information becomes available.
Current Version
Written By
Jill Seladi-Schulman, PhD
Edited By
John Bassham
Written By
Jill Seladi-Schulman, PhD
Edited By
John Bassham
Medically Reviewed By
Megan Soliman, MD
Copy Edited By
Copy Editors
Ilioinguinal nerve
Medically reviewed by the Healthline Medical Network — Written by The Healthline
Editorial Team on July 6, 2020
The ilioinguinal nerve branches off the first lumbar nerve, which is near
the lower back. It branches down the body through the second and third
https://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/trigeminal-nerve#takeaway 8/22
11/30/24, 9:08 PM Trigeminal Nerve: Function, Anatomy, and Diagram
VIEW 3D MODEL
The ilioinguinal nerve moves further down the body, eventually branching
out into the upper part of the thigh muscles. It also reaches the mons
pubis and labia majora, both parts of the groin. The nerve provides
sensation to these areas.
ADVERTISEMENT
https://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/trigeminal-nerve#takeaway 9/22
11/30/24, 9:08 PM Trigeminal Nerve: Function, Anatomy, and Diagram
v
Medically reviewed by Heidi Moawad, M.D. — Written by Jill Seladi-Schulman,
Ph.D. — Updated on November 9, 2021
Nerves that send sensory information have sensory functions. Those that
send motor information have motor functions. While some nerves have
only sensory or motor functions, others can have both.
The trigeminal nerve is one of the cranial nerves that has both sensory
and motor function. Cranial nerves are classified using Roman numerals
https://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/trigeminal-nerve#takeaway 10/22
11/30/24, 9:08 PM Trigeminal Nerve: Function, Anatomy, and Diagram
based on their locations. The trigeminal nerve is also called cranial nerve
V.
ADVERTISEMENT
Function
The trigeminal nerve is the largest of the 12 cranial nerves. Its main
function is transmitting sensory information to the skin, sinuses, and
mucous membranes in the face. The nerve communicates touch, pain,
and temperature to the brain.
Anatomy
The trigeminal nerve has three branches. It joins at the trigeminal ganglia
and branches out to different parts of the face. Each branch division has a
slightly different function.
Ophthalmic division
scalp
forehead
upper parts of the sinuses
https://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/trigeminal-nerve#takeaway 11/22
11/30/24, 9:08 PM Trigeminal Nerve: Function, Anatomy, and Diagram
Maxillary division
cheeks
upper lip
Mandibular
The mandibular division is the only part of the trigeminal nerve that has
both sensory and motor functions.
chin
It also stimulates movement of the muscles in the jaw and some of the
muscles within the inner ear.
Diagram
The image below shows the location of the 12 cranial nerves, including
the trigeminal nerve.
https://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/trigeminal-nerve#takeaway 12/22
11/30/24, 9:08 PM Trigeminal Nerve: Function, Anatomy, and Diagram
Testing
The trigeminal nerve plays a role in many sensations that are felt in
different parts of the face. As a result, there are several ways to test the
function of the trigeminal nerve.
Pin or cotton swab test. One or both sides of the face are touched
with either a pin or cotton swab. The person will then be asked
whether they felt anything, and if so, where they felt it. A doctor may
also lightly touch the cornea of the eye with a cotton swab to test
the ophthalmic division. If the person doesn’t blink, the ophthalmic
division of their trigeminal nerve may be damaged.
Clenching test. A doctor will ask someone to clench their teeth or
try to open their jaw when resistance is applied. They’ll check
muscle tone and movement for any signs of trigeminal nerve
damage.
ADVERTISEMENT
https://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/trigeminal-nerve#takeaway 13/22
11/30/24, 9:08 PM Trigeminal Nerve: Function, Anatomy, and Diagram
stroke
facial injuries or injuries of the mouth
brain tumor
compression from swollen blood vessels
neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis
The pain associated with trigeminal neuralgia can be very painful. People
often describe it as a shooting or jabbing pain that lasts anywhere from a
few seconds to several hours.
Pain can also be achy or burning. It tends to occur more often over time.
Many things can trigger the pain, including touching the face, shaving,
eating, yawning, or talking. It can affect one or both sides of the face. TN
can cause long-term difficulties with chewing and speaking.
Cluster headaches can also signal a problem with the trigeminal nerve.
Cluster headaches are severe headaches on the side of the face. The
cause is unknown.
https://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/trigeminal-nerve#takeaway 14/22
11/30/24, 9:08 PM Trigeminal Nerve: Function, Anatomy, and Diagram
Protection
You can protect your nervous system by engaging in healthy lifestyle
practices like exercising regularly, drinking water, and eating a balanced
diet.
Takeaway
The trigeminal nerve is one of the 12 cranial nerves. It can transmit both
sensory and motor information to the brain. The trigeminal nerve
branches out to different parts of the face to communicate sensory
information like temperature, touch, and pain. It also stimulates movement
in the jaw muscles.
SOURCES HISTORY v
https://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/trigeminal-nerve#takeaway 15/22
11/30/24, 9:08 PM Trigeminal Nerve: Function, Anatomy, and Diagram
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we
update our articles when new information becomes available.
Current Version
Nov 9, 2021
Written By
Jill Seladi-Schulman, PhD
Edited By
Molly Chepenik
Medically Reviewed By
Heidi Moawad, MD
Copy Edited By
Sofia Santamarina
Written By
Jill Seladi-Schulman, PhD
Medically Reviewed By
Nancy Hammond, MD
Median nerve
Medically reviewed by the Healthline Medical Network — Written by The Healthline
Editorial Team on January 24, 2018
https://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/trigeminal-nerve#takeaway 16/22
11/30/24, 9:08 PM Trigeminal Nerve: Function, Anatomy, and Diagram
VIEW 3D MODEL
In the upper arm and near the shoulder, the median nerve branches off of
the brachial plexus. It initially spans the length of the upper arm, as it runs
a course parallel to the brachial artery. A portion of its path covers the
medial side of the arm, near both the biceps brachii and brachialis muscle.
For a large part of the course, the nerve runs lateral to the artery.
However, it eventually crosses over and enters the cubital fossa of the
elbow. The median nerve also extends downward through the forearm,
ultimately traversing the carpal tunnel as it enters the hand. Since the
nerve is so long, it contains many significant branches. It also innervates a
number of muscles along the entire length of the arm. Also due to its
length, the median nerve is susceptible to a number of conditions. These
include lesions causing median nerve palsy. If the nerve is completely
severed, “claw hand” will result. Carpal tunnel syndrome of the hand can
also result due to compression.
Oculomotor nerve v
https://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/trigeminal-nerve#takeaway 17/22
11/30/24, 9:08 PM Trigeminal Nerve: Function, Anatomy, and Diagram
The oculomotor nerve is the third of 12 pairs of cranial nerves in the brain.
This nerve is responsible for eyeball and eyelid movement. It follows the
olfactory and optic nerves in terms of order.
VIEW 3D MODEL
https://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/trigeminal-nerve#takeaway 18/22
11/30/24, 9:08 PM Trigeminal Nerve: Function, Anatomy, and Diagram
(movement) fibers. It controls the muscles that allow for visual tracking
and fixation by the eye. Visual tracking is the ability to follow an object as
it moves across the field of vision. Fixation is the ability to focus on a
stationary object.
The oculomotor nerve is responsible for the majority of eye and eyelid
movements, although the trochlear nerve and abducens nerve also
SUBSCRIBE
contribute to eye movements.
READ THIS NEXT Share this article
v
The medial cutaneous nerve is located in the arm. It spreads through the
middle of the arm, also known as the medial brachial area. It is also…
READ MORE
The superficial peroneal nerve branches off from the sciatic nerve, or the
common peroneal nerve, which ultimately winds around the head of the…
READ MORE
Genitofemoral nerve
Medically reviewed by the Healthline Medical Network
READ MORE
Femoral nerve
Medically reviewed by the Healthline Medical Network
The femoral nerve is one of the major nerves that innervates the legs. Its
principal function is to carry instructions to the muscles that straighten…
READ MORE
Genitofemoral nerve
Medically reviewed by the Healthline Medical Network
READ MORE
https://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/trigeminal-nerve#takeaway 20/22
11/30/24, 9:08 PM Trigeminal Nerve: Function, Anatomy, and Diagram
The pelvis forms the base of the spine as well as the socket of the hip
joint. The pelvic bones include the hip bones, sacrum, and coccyx. The…
READ MORE
v z
About Us Sitemap
Advertising Policy
Health Topics
https://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/trigeminal-nerve#takeaway 21/22
11/30/24, 9:08 PM Trigeminal Nerve: Function, Anatomy, and Diagram
© 2024 Healthline Media LLC. All rights reserved. Healthline Media is an RVO
Health Company. Our website services, content, and products are for informational
purposes only. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or
treatment. See additional information.
OUR BRANDS
Healthline
Medical News Today
Greatist
Psych Central
Bezzy
https://www.healthline.com/human-body-maps/trigeminal-nerve#takeaway 22/22