Thoracic vagus nerves in fetuses

Abstract

Studies on vagus nerves and traditional literature are clear in the description at the base of the neck, the lower part of the thorax and associate their final position with gastric rotation occurred between the 4th and 6th week of gestation. If we assume there won’t be variations during the following weeks this knowledge is important during esophagus surgical produres in neonates and early childhood (esophagus fistulas, hernia of hiatus, gastro-esophagic reflux, etc.). The objective of this study was to observe vagus nerves in the thorax, describe the variations in number, position and distribution and determining the relation with the gastric rotation.