Organ- and function-specific anatomical organization of the vagus nerve

Abstract Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) activates vagal fibers to modulate organ function and treat conditions. VNS is currently delivered in a non-selective manner, often resulting reduced efficacy side effects. Development of selective therapies requires knowledge the anatomical organization inside vagus nerve. Motor sensory travel fascicles form branches innervate different organs, including larynx, heart lungs. However, transverse longitudinal arrangement fibers, with respect functions they mediate organs unknown. Using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) tracking, we find that, swine, follow two overlapping axes: function-related axis, motor separated cephalad merging caudad, an organ-related larynx-, heart- lung-associated caudad cephalad. quantitative immunohistochemistry (IHC) characterize entirety that fiber distribution highly nonuniform: myelinated afferent efferent occupy separate fascicles, unmyelinated efferents co-localize afferents across within sub-fascicular areas, small are widely distributed. By applying micro-CT IHC pipelines human cervical sample, preliminary evidence for similar principles We conclude possibly humans, specifically arranged regard which project mediate; could be leveraged by appropriately designed devices deliver organ- function-selective neuromodulation. Research Category Technology Methods Basic Research: 12. Nerve Stimulation Keywords: , neuromodulation