The nodose ganglion (inferior vagal ganglion) is the lower sensory ganglion of the vagus nerve, located in the jugular foramen just below the smaller superior jugular ganglion. It contains the cell bodies of visceral afferent neurons supplying the thoracic and abdominal viscera, including the esophagus, trachea, bronchi, heart, and upper gastrointestinal tract. Its chemoreceptors respond to mechanical and chemical stimuli from the viscera.
| Origin | Inferior sensory ganglion of the vagus nerve (CN X) |
|---|---|
| Course | Lies on the vagus nerve just below the jugular foramen, its peripheral processes running in the vagal branches and its central processes ending mainly in the nucleus of the solitary tract |
| Sensory |
|
The nodose ganglion is increasingly recognised as a target in vagal nerve-based therapies. The cough reflex arc begins with sensory receptors in the larynx and trachea whose cell bodies lie in the nodose ganglion. Chronic refractory cough from nodose ganglion sensitisation (as occurs after viral infection) responds to treatments targeting this hypersensitisation. Vagal nerve stimulators implanted for epilepsy and depression activate fibres that pass through the nodose ganglion level. The ganglion is adjacent to the carotid sheath structures at the skull base.
Post-viral sensitisation of the nodose ganglion afferents supplying the laryngotracheal mucosa lowers the cough reflex threshold, producing chronic refractory cough triggered by cold air, talking, and minor stimuli; neuromodulating agents (gabapentin, pregabalin, amitriptyline) reduce nodose ganglion sensitisation and cough frequency.
This website uses cookies to enhance your experience. Some are essential for site functionality, while others help us analyze and improve your usage experience. Please review your options and make your choice.
If you are under 16 years old, please ensure that you have received consent from your parent or guardian for any non-essential cookies.
Your privacy is important to us. You can adjust your cookie settings at any time. For more information about how we use data, please read our privacy policy. You may change your preferences at any time by clicking on the settings button below.
Note that if you choose to disable some types of cookies, it may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.
Some required resources have been blocked, which can affect third-party services and may cause the site to not function properly.
This website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and ensure the site functions properly. By continuing to use this site, you acknowledge and accept our use of cookies.
