Ross Hauser, MD The vagus nerve plays a key role in regulating many of our body’s functions. Its name best describes its physical characteristics: Vagus is Latin for “fugitive,” or “wanderer.” It is the longest and most widely extended of the nerves of the body. The vagus nerves keep us alive by their innervation (nervous system function) of the internal organs of the body and their interactions with the brain, spinal cord, cranial nerves, upper cervical spinal nerves, and sympathetic nervous system. Sensory functions of the vagus nerve are critical for conscious perception and for monitoring visceral functions in the … Continue reading Vagus nerve compression in the neck: Symptoms and treatments