Identify the distal course of the right vagus nerve [two probes]
[cross-section] and left vagus nerve [two probes] [cross-section
] in the thorax as they pass posterior to the roots of the lungs
to reach the esophagus. As the right and left vagus nerves reach
the esophagus, they branch to form the esophageal plexus (Figure
21.4). Branches of the right vagus nerve pass primarily to the
posterior surface of the esophagus; those of the left vagus
nerve pass to the anterior surface of the esophagus.Immediately
superior to the diaphragm, the fibers of the esophageal plexus
reunite to form the left and right vagal trunks. The left vagal
trunk lies on the anterior surface of the esophagus, and the
right vagal trunk lies on the posterior surface of the
esophagus. These structural relationships are related to the
rotation of the gut during fetal development. See an embryology
text for further details. Links and References: