Anatom3DVagus nerve (thoracic part)
Nervus vagus (pars thoracica) · Bloudivý nerv (hrudní část)
Nervous system
Looks like
Two long nerves running down either side of the oesophagus through the chest, sending branches to the heart and lungs.
What it does
Slow the heart, narrow the airways, stimulate mucus and drive swallowing and the gut's rhythm.
Keeping it well
Its left branch loops under the aortic arch to reach the voice box, so a chest tumour or aortic swelling can press on it — hoarseness lasting over three weeks without a cold needs looking at. Sudden vagal slowing of the heart causes common harmless fainting.