Corpus: Posterior vagal trunk
1. Definition
The posterior vagal trunk is a branch of the vagus nerve located behind the esophagus and formed from fibers of the esophageal plexus.
2. Anatomy
The posterior vagal trunk mainly consists of fibers from the right vagus nerve, a result of the stomach's rotation during embryonic development. It gives off several branches:
- Posterior gastric branches: These innervate the posterior surface of the stomach, with one prominent branch being the posterior nerve of the lesser curvature.
- Coeliac branches: These contribute to the formation of the coeliac plexus.
- Renal branches: These form the renal plexus along the renal artery.