Assessment Description:
Choose a cranial nerve and discuss how the dysfunction of that cranial nerve might affect one's health.
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SOLUTION to BIO-201: Human Anatomy and Physiology I: Lab - Topic 7 DQ 1.
SAMPLE 1
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The vagus nerve, also referred to by its Latin name nervus vagus, or the tenth cranial nerve, is part of the parasympathetic division of the peripheral nervous system and regulates involuntary actions. Since the vagus nerve impacts numerous systems in the body, it is evident that its dysfunction could cause many health complications. According to Chokroverty and Bhat (2021), the vagus nerve's primary functions include regulating heart rate, stimulating the digestive tract, controlling sweating and movements of the muscles in the mouth region, and speech production. Notably, this nerve can be impaired in a condition referred to as vagus nerve disorder or vagopathy, which has various effects on the patient's health.
For instance, vagus nerve dysfunction in a particular individual may cause cardiovascular disorders. This nerve also controls the heart rate by sending signals it wishes to receive to the heart to slow down. Therefore, if it malfunctions, the ability to adjust the number of beats per minute can be impaired, leading to conditions such as tachycardia (fast heart rate) or bradycardia (slow heart rate). It can further deteriorate into more dangerous cardiac problems, including arrhythmias, which can lead to developing heart attacks or strokes. Also, Libreros-Jiménez et al. (2023) state that nausea, vomiting, and other ailments related to the digestive system are likely to occur due to vagus nerve disorders. It is involved in the regulation of movement of the digestive tract and the secretion of digestive enzymes. When this nerve does not work well, gastroparesis may occur, which is a situation where the stomach cannot normally empty itself of food. Some of the signs of gastroparesis include vomiting, nausea, bloating, and abdominal pain and hence would be considered to have a highly impaired quality of life.
Moreover, there is a relationship between vagus nerve abnormalities and mental health disorders. This nerve is related to the brain's feelings and psychological part. Its failure results in anxiety, depression, and other mood ailments because of its role in the stress response system in the body.
References
Chokroverty, S., & Bhat, S. (2021). Functional neuroanatomy of the peripheral autonomic nervous system. Autonomic Nervous System and Sleep: Order and Disorder, 19-28. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-62263-3_3
Libreros-Jiménez, H. M., Manzo, J., Rojas-Durán, F., Aranda-Abreu, G. E., García-Hernández, L. I., Coria-Ávila, G. A., ... & Hernández-Aguilar, M. E. (2023). On the cranial nerves. NeuroSci, 5(1), 8-38. https://doi.org/10.3390/neurosci5010002