Anatomy of the vagus nerves in the region of the lower esophagus and the stomach.

An anatomic study of the vagus nerves in their thoracic course below the pulmonary plexus, and in their distribution to the stomach has been made in 50 cadavers. Because of the recent increase in interest in the relationship of the vagus nerves to peptic ulcer, tlie literature was reviewed and revealed relatively few detailed descriptions of the anatomy of the nerves in this area and differences of opinion among anatomists on several points. A study of the nerves seemed desirable, therefore, and in October, 1946, this series of dissections was begun. A preliminary report was published (Jackson, '47) and this is the final report on the complete series of dissections. The vagus nerves have been described by Swan (1834), Bourgery (1844), Kollman (1860), Perman ( '16), Latarjet ('22), and McCrea ( '24) who also summarized the literature up to 1925. Reports of dissections of the vagi on the esophagus by Miller and Davis ( '47), and of these nerves on the esophagus and tlie stomach as fa r as the celiac division of the posterior vagiis by Bradley et al. ( '47), Lave recently been published. I t map be seen from 3IcCrea's summary that the early anatomists differed principally on the following questions : The number of nerve stems passingthrough the diaphragm. 1.