NERVUS CARDIACUS SUPERIOR Meaning and
Definition
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The nervus cardiacus superior is a term derived from Latin, referring to the superior cardiac nerve in English. It is a part of the autonomic nervous system that carries out specific functions related to the heart. As one of the branches of the nervus vagus, it plays a crucial role in regulating cardiac activity.
The nervus cardiacus superior originates from the superior part of the vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) in the neck and extends downward to the thoracic region. It contains both sympathetic and parasympathetic fibers. The sympathetic fibers, derived from the cervical ganglia, provide innervation to the heart, while the parasympathetic fibers, derived from the vagus nerve, modulate the heart rate.
The nervus cardiacus superior is responsible for controlling the heart's rate, contractility, and blood flow. It helps to regulate the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic influences on the cardiac muscle, ensuring efficient functioning of the heart. Dysfunction or damage to the nervus cardiacus superior can lead to heart rhythm abnormalities, such as tachycardia (rapid heart rate) or bradycardia (slow heart rate), as well as disturbances in blood pressure.
In summary, the nervus cardiacus superior is a key component of the autonomic nervous system involved in regulating the cardiac muscle. It acts by transmitting both sympathetic and parasympathetic fibers to the heart, maintaining the balance required for normal heart function.
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Superior cardiac nerve, arises from the lower part of the superior cervical ganglion of the sympathetic, and passes down to form, with branches of the vagus, the cardiac plexus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for NERVUS CARDIACUS SUPERIOR
