vagally

Vagally is an adverb that describes something being done in a manner related to the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is the tenth cranial nerve and is the longest nerve in the autonomic nervous system, extending from the brainstem to the abdomen. It plays a crucial role in regulating a variety of involuntary bodily functions, including heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate. When something is described as occurring "vagally," it implies a connection to the actions or influence of this nerve.

For instance, a medical professional might discuss how a particular stimulus is affecting the body "vagally." This could refer to how stimulating the vagus nerve, either directly or indirectly, leads to a physiological response. Examples include the sensation of a racing heart slowing down after a deep breath, which can be a vagal response, or how certain medical treatments aim to modulate vagal activity to address conditions like epilepsy or depression. The term is used to indicate a physiological process mediated by the complex network of the vagus nerve, affecting systems far beyond its direct pathways. Understanding vagal activity is central to many areas of neuroscience and medicine, highlighting its importance in maintaining homeostasis and responding to internal and external cues.