The correct spelling of the word "nervus cardiacus medius" is pronounced /ˈnɚ.vəs ˈkɑɹ.di.ə.kəs ˈmi.di.əs/. The word is derived from Latin and refers to the nerves that innervate the heart. The spelling is based on the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), which is used to represent the sounds of spoken language. The spelling of each syllable is based on the corresponding sounds in the IPA, with each symbol representing a different sound. Proper spelling is important to ensure clear communication and avoid confusion in medical terminology.
Nervus cardiacus medius, also known as the median cardiac nerve, is a significant nerve in the human body that plays a crucial role in regulating and controlling heart function. It is a branch of the vagus nerve, which is a part of the parasympathetic nervous system responsible for controlling various involuntary bodily functions.
The nervus cardiacus medius emerges from the superior cervical ganglion, one of the ganglia of the sympathetic trunk located at the base of the skull. It descends downwards into the chest cavity and extends toward the heart. Along its course, the nerve forms connections with other nerves and ganglia, establishing an intricate network of neural pathways in the cardiac region.
The primary function of the nervus cardiacus medius is to transmit parasympathetic signals to the heart, enabling it to slow down and reduce its overall rate of contractions. This parasympathetic stimulation is essential for maintaining a healthy heart rate and promoting heart health. Additionally, the nerve contributes to controlling blood pressure and regulating various other cardiac functions.
Disruption or dysfunction of the nervus cardiacus medius can lead to cardiac issues such as irregular heart rhythms, increased heart rate, or decreased cardiac output. Research and medical interventions often focus on understanding the nerve's role in cardiovascular diseases and finding ways to modulate its activity for therapeutic purposes.
Middle cardiac nerve, a bundle of fibers running downward from the middle cervical ganglion of the sympathetic, along the subclavian artery (on the left) or the innominate (on the right side) to join the cardiac plexus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.