The vagus nerve is heavily involved in the regulation of the digestive system. It stimulates the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, facilitating peristalsis (the rhythmic contraction of muscles that moves food along the digestive tract). The vagus nerve also controls gastric secretions, helping with digestion.
Role in the Gut-Brain Axis:
The vagus nerve is involved in the communication between the gut and the brain, known as the gut-brain axis. It plays a role in transmitting information about the gut’s state to the brain and vice versa.
