Pneumogastric Nerve (Noun)
Meaning
A mixed nerve that supplies the pharynx and larynx and lungs and heart and esophagus and stomach and most of the abdominal viscera.
Classification
Nouns denoting body parts.
Examples
- The pneumogastric nerve, also known as the tenth cranial nerve, plays a significant role in controlling the functions of various organs including the stomach, heart, and lungs.
- Damage to the pneumogastric nerve may cause difficulty in swallowing, speaking, and breathing due to its widespread influence on the pharynx, larynx, and abdominal viscera.
- The pneumogastric nerve's main function is to transmit parasympathetic nerve fibers that innervate the heart and the abdominal viscera, promoting the process of digestion and regulating heart rate.
- Dysfunction of the pneumogastric nerve can disrupt peristalsis in the esophagus, making swallowing food very challenging for patients with such conditions.
- Parasympathetic stimulation of the pneumogastric nerve can induce salivation, reduce the heart rate, and lower blood pressure.