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Equine Nervous System - Horse Anatomy (view source)
Revision as of 16:29, 21 November 2012
, 16:29, 21 November 2012→Vagus nerve (X)
====Vagus nerve (X)====
====Vagus nerve (X)====
The vagus nerve is part of the group of cranial nerves responsible for innervation of structures derived from the branchial arches. It is also part of a group, together with the glossopharyngeal and accessory nerves, that passes through the '''jugular foramen''' which is termed the '''vagus group'''. The vagus nerve innervates structures related to the fourth branchial arch. The vagus nerve has cell bodies that are referred to as '''nucleus ambiguus'''.
The vagus nerve is composed of many different types of nerve fibre including '''general somatic efferent fibres''' supplying motor function to the muscles of the larynx, pharynx, palate and oesophagus; '''general visceral afferent fibres''' to the base of the tongue, pharynx and larynx; '''general visceral efferent fibres''' for parasympathetic supply of the thoracic and abdominal viscera; '''special visceral afferent fibres''' supplying taste to regions of the epiglottis and palate and finally '''general somatic afferent fibres''' to the external ear and the dura mater. The vagus nerve also supplies '''general somatic afferent fibres''' and '''special visceral afferent fibres''' to the root of the tongue.
There are many functional components of the vagus nerve including the heart, larynx, pharynx and many other viscera. On clinical examination any changes related to gag reflexes, blood pressure or heart rate, changes in 'voice' (dysphonia) or inspiratory dyspnoea may indicate a problem with the vagus nerve.
====Accessory nerve (XI)====
====Accessory nerve (XI)====
====Hypoglossal nerve (XII)====
====Hypoglossal nerve (XII)====