What is vagus nerve and vagal tone? Vagus nerve is the 10th cranial nerve (largest nerve of the body) which has mixed functions (both sensory and motor). Sensory functions of the vagus nerve include: Signaling the details of sound, taste, sight, and smell from the body to the brain. Whereas motor functions are: Control of different glands and muscles of the body. Vagal Tone: Vagal tone refers to a parasympathetic activity (branch of the autonomic nervous system) of the nerve inducing relaxational effects by: Conservation of energy Slowing down of heart rate Relaxation of muscles in GIT (gastrointestinal tract) Increasing the activity of glands and intestines. Effects of vagal tone: Vagal tone is very crucial to body functioning and health.…
