Vagus Nerve: Anatomy, Function And Branches

Describe the origin, course and branches of the vagus nerve in the neck.

Answer:

The vagus nerve is CN 10. It is the longest cranial nerve and has a vague course.

Vagus Nerve Origin and course

The vagus nerve arises from nuclei within the brainstem and emerges on the surface from the lateral aspect of the medulla in the groove between the olive and inferior cerebellar peduncle, and comes out of the cranial cavity through the jugular foramen.
After emerging from the cranial cavity, it descends vertically between the internal jugular vein and the internal carotid artery. At the root of the neck, the nerve enters the thorax. The right vagus nerve enters the thorax by crossing in front of the right subclavian artery, while the left vagus nerve does so by passing between the left common carotid and left subclavian arteries.

Vestibulocochlear Nerve Branches Of The Vagus Nerve In The Neck

Meningeal branch to dura mater of posterior cranial fossa
Auricular branch (Aldermen’s nerve/Arnold’s nerve) to the skin of external acoustic meatus
Pharyngeal branch to pharyngeal plexus
Superior laryngeal nerve
Recurrent laryngeal nerve (on the right side only)
Cardiac branches (cervical)