Mapping the structure and connections of the vagus nerve
RECONSTRUCTING VAGAL ANATOMY
This study is all about exploring the vagus nerve, which helps your brain talk to different organs in your body, to better understand how it works and how it might help improve treatments for conditions that affect your body's automatic functions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Feinstein Institute for Medical Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Manhasset, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11160402 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the complex anatomy of the vagus nerve, which plays a crucial role in communication between the brain and various organs. By creating detailed maps of the nerve's structure and its connections to organs in the neck, chest, and abdomen, the research aims to uncover how these connections influence bodily functions. The study employs advanced techniques to visualize and quantify the arrangement of nerve fibers, which could enhance our understanding of vagus nerve therapies. This knowledge may lead to improved treatments for conditions related to autonomic functions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions that affect the autonomic nervous system, such as gastrointestinal disorders or neuroimmune conditions.
Not a fit: Patients with purely psychological conditions unrelated to autonomic nervous system function may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective vagus nerve therapies that improve treatment outcomes for patients with various autonomic dysfunctions.
How similar studies have performed: While there is existing knowledge about the vagus nerve, this research aims to provide novel insights into its detailed anatomy and organization, which has not been extensively mapped before.
Where this research is happening
Manhasset, United States
- Feinstein Institute for Medical Research — Manhasset, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zanos, Stavros — Feinstein Institute for Medical Research
- Study coordinator: Zanos, Stavros
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.