aortic nerve (Cyon nerve, depressor nerve of Ludwig)

Function

• the nerve consists entirely of afferent fibers
• stimulation elicits a brainstem reflex that results in:
  • slowing of the heart
  • dilation of peripheral blood vessels
  • a fall in blood pressure

Origin

• vagus nerve

Innervation

• aortic arch & base of heart

More general terms

• peripheral nerve