Which of the following is a function of the vagus nerve?

a. it supplies cardiac muscle and decreases heart rate

b. it carries taste and somatic sensation from the epiglottis and pharynx

c. it carries information about blood pressure, blood pH and stretch in respiratory structures

d. it controls the muscles involved in swallowing, coughing and voice production

e. all of these choices are functions of the vagus nerve

Option (e).

Explanation:

The tenth cranial nerve is vagus nerve, present in pairs. This nerve is the longest nerve of the autonomic nervous system. The extension of the vagus nerve is jugular foramen.

Vagus nerve the important functions like the regulation of muscles that are involved in swallowing and voice production. The cardiac muscle and decrease in heart rate is maintained by vagus nerve. The somatic and taste sensation from pharynx and epiglottis are carried by vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is involved for carrying important information like pH, blood pressure and the stretch of respiratory structure.

Thus, the correct answer is option (e).