Chapter contents
Branchial motor
Visceral motor
Visceral sensory
General sensory| Cranial Nerve X - Vagus | Page 13 of 24 |
Overview of Visceral Motor Component
the parasympathetic (secretomotor) component of the vagus nerve consists of efferent fibers which innervate the smooth muscle and glands of the pharynx, larynx, and thoracic and abdominal viscera down to the splenic flexure.
In general, parasympathetic stimulation leads to increased secretion from glands and smooth muscle contraction. Specifically, CN X parasympathetic stimulation has the following effects (think "rest and digest"):
- Cardiac - Slows heart rate
- Lungs - Stimulates increased bronchiolar secretions and bronchoconstriction
- GI tract- Stimulates increased secretions and motility
