by Shanell Kabba (Author)

The word "vagus" means wandering in Latin. This is a very appropriate name, as the vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve. It runs from the brain stem to part of the colon.

The sensory functions of the vagus nerve are divided into two components:

Somatic components. These are sensations felt on the skin or in the muscles.

Visceral components. These are sensations felt in the organs of the body.