Pulmonary branch of the vagus nerve

The **pulmonary branches of the vagus nerve** are small peripheral nerve branches arising from the vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) that supply parasympathetic and sensory innervation to the lungs and bronchi[2][4][5]. They are anatomically grouped as anterior and posterior bronchial branches, which form the anterior and posterior pulmonary plexuses at the root of each lung[4][5]. Parasympathetic efferent fibers in these branches contract bronchial smooth muscle, stimulate mucus gland secretion, and mediate vasodilation of pulmonary arteries and arterioles. Visceral afferent fibers carry sensory information related to airway stretch (involved in reflexes such as coughing and breathing regulation)[2][4]. These branches, while anatomically and physiologically crucial, are **not molecular targets** like receptors, enzymes, or channels, and are not directly targeted by drugs—the vagus nerve as a whole may be a subject of neuromodulation research, but the pulmonary branches themselves are not recognized as therapeutic targets[2][4][7]. Surgical or traumatic disruption of these nerves can lead to significant airway dysfunction or postoperative pulmonary complications[1]. **Caveat:** This entry is *not* a molecular or canonical drug target but an anatomical nerve branch. It should not be classified alongside proteins, receptors, or molecular targets used in drug discovery or pharmacology[1][4][5][6].

Other names

Bronchial branch of the vagus nerveRami bronchiales nervi vagiAnterior bronchial branch of the vagus nervePosterior bronchial branch of the vagus nervePulmonary branch of the tenth cranial nerve