What is the vagus nerve also known as?

The vagus nerve is known as the tenth cranial nerve. It is part of the autonomic nervous system and plays a crucial role in regulating various involuntary bodily functions, including heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate. The term "vagus" is derived from Latin, meaning "wandering," which reflects the nerve's extensive distribution throughout the body.

Recognizing the vagus nerve as the tenth cranial nerve is important for understanding its anatomical position and functions compared to other cranial nerves, which are numbered sequentially based on their emergence from the brain. This knowledge is fundamental in both anatomical studies and clinical applications where issues relating to vagal function may arise, such as in cases of vagal nerve stimulation for therapeutic purposes.