ANATOMICAL STUDIES OF THE VAGUS NERVE AND ITS BRANCHES TO THE STOMACH

Abstract

1. The oesophageal plexus is in the structure and arrangement
of its larger branches constant.
·2 . Two trunks arise from the oesophageal plexus, the . anterior vagal trunk and the posterior vagal trunk;
each trunk contains fibers of both left and right vagi nerves.
3. These vagal trunks in the majority of instances pass through the oesophageal opening of the diaphragm each in the form of the or two sterns.
4. Anterior and posterior gastric plexuses mayor may not be present: the one may be pr e s ent , the other
absent. If present. their formation is limited to the branches destined for the supply of the stomach.
5. The manner of distribution of the vagal branches is
in the main constant.
6. The main gastric branches lie in the neighborhood of the lesser curature.
7. The anterior vagal trunk supplies the anterior surface of the stomach as far as the pyloric antrum; it does not supply the pyloric canal and sphincter through those branches which lie along the lesser curvature. This statement holds good for the posterior vagal trunk and the posterior aspect of the stomach.
8. The pyeloric canal, sphincter, and first stage of the duodenum receive their nerve supply from above, receiving twigs from the vagal branches to the liver.
9. Sympathetic fibers derived from the coeliac plexus reach all regions of the stomach. Twigs may be seen to unite with and run with vagal twigs.