CN X Course


The vagus nerve exits caudal to the glossopharyngeal nerve at the post-olivary sulcus. It joins with CN IX and CN XI and exits through the jugular foramen. It passes into the carotid sheath, and travels between the internal jugular vein and internal carotid artery. Throughout its course, the vagus gives off a number of branches including sensory branches to the ear, laryngeal branches and branches to cardiac, esophageal and pulmonary neural plexuses. Vagal nuclei are located in the medulla.        

  1. Gross Cross Section
  2. Cartoon