The vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) is the longest cranial nerve in the body — and one of the most essential. It exits the brainstem and travels through the neck, thorax, and into the abdomen, forming part of the parasympathetic nervous system. The vagus nerve helps regulate: ▪️ Heart rate ▪️ Breathing ▪️ Digestion ▪️ Inflammation ▪️ Reflexes like coughing and swallowing This 3D animation reveals the full course of the nerve and its key connections to the lungs, heart, stomach, intestines, and mor