Question

Injury to vagus nerve in human is not likely to affect

• A. tongue movements
• B. gastrointestinal movements
• C. pancreatic secretion
• D. cardiac movements

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

To solve the given question, we need to understand the functions of the vagus nerve and its role in the human body. Here’s a detailed explanation:

1. Understanding the Vagus Nerve:
   • The vagus nerve, also known as cranial nerve X, is one of the longest nerves in the body.
   • It is a part of the autonomic nervous system and plays a crucial role in controlling involuntary body functions.
   • Specifically, the vagus nerve is involved in parasympathetic control of the heart, lungs, and digestive tract.
   • Functions of the vagus nerve include regulating heart rate, gastrointestinal peristalsis, sweating, and muscle movements in the mouth, including speech (but not the movement of the tongue).
2. Analysis of Options:
   • Tongue Movements: The movements of the tongue are primarily controlled by the hypoglossal nerve (cranial nerve XII), not the vagus nerve. Thus, an injury to the vagus nerve is not likely to affect tongue movements.
   • Gastrointestinal Movements: The vagus nerve plays a significant role in gastrointestinal peristalsis, aiding digestion. An injury could affect these movements.
   • Pancreatic Secretion: The vagus nerve helps stimulate pancreatic secretions, essential for digestion. An injury could impact these secretions.
   • Cardiac Movements: The vagus nerve is involved in regulating heart rate. Damage to the vagus nerve could affect cardiac functions.
3. Conclusion: Given the functions of the vagus nerve and the specific roles played by other cranial nerves, the correct answer is that an injury to the vagus nerve is not likely to affect tongue movements.

Therefore, the correct answer is tongue movements, as it is controlled by a different nerve, distinct from the vagus nerve.