![](\"https:\/\/mms.businesswire.com\/media\/20260727775468\/en\/2860278\/5\/Vagus_Nerve_Map.jpg\")
<\/a><\/a>![](\"https:\/\/mms.businesswire.com\/media\/20260727775468\/en\/766145\/5\/Feinstein_logo.jpg\"){kind=logo}
<\/a><\/a>\nThe vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve and a critical \u201cinformation superhighway,\u201d consisting of two main bundles (one on the left side of the neck and the other on the right side of the neck) containing more than 200,000 individual nerve fibers stretching from the brainstem to all major organs. It manages automatic functions such as heart rate, breathing and digestion, and serves as the body\u2019s \u201con\/off switch\u201d for immune response and inflammation. To better understand the function of each vagal fiber, this new dataset resource offers a unique 3D view into the intricate anatomy of the human vagus nerve, utilizing advanced techniques such as microCT imaging, immunohistochemistry and ultrasound. By mapping the organization of fascicles and fibers, researchers can gain critical insights into how the vagus nerve communicates with various organs and influences human health and disease.<\/p>
\n\u201cThis dataset represents a major step forward in bioelectronic medicine, offering the most detailed anatomical reconstruction of the human vagus nerve to date,\u201d said Stavros Zanos, MD, PhD<\/a>, associate professor in the Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine<\/a> at the Feinstein Institutes and co-leader of the project. \u201cFor the first time, we can visualize the vagus nerve\u2019s complex architecture that will allow us to design more precise, effective and safe neuromodulation therapies and devices. We are proud to be the first in the world to make such a comprehensive resource available, a testament to the tireless dedication of our team.\u201d<\/p> \nThis accomplishment marks a significant milestone that began with a $6.7 million National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant awarded to the Feinstein Institutes in October 2022<\/a> for its Reconstructing Vagal Anatomy (REVA) project<\/a>, part of the NIH Common Fund\u2019s SPARC program. The successful delivery of this world-first map\u2019 highlights the Feinstein Institutes\u2019 pioneering spirit in bioelectronic medicine and was supported by Peter J. Pappas, Jr. whose donation provided crucial philanthropic support towards the goals of this project.<\/p> \n\u201cDecoding the vagus nerve\u2019s intricate language is an important advance for science and medicine,\u201d said Kevin J. Tracey, MD<\/a>, president and CEO of the Feinstein Institutes, Karches Family Distinguished Chair in Medical Research and author of the book The Great Nerve: The New Science of the Vagus Nerve and How to Harness Its Healing Reflexes<\/i><\/a>. <\/i>\u201cThis knowledge will further empower researchers to re-engineer human biology and unlock novel therapies for future patients.\u201d<\/p> \nThe Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research is the global scientific leader in bioelectronic medicine and vagus nerve stimulation, where medical researchers use modern technology to develop new device-based therapies to treat disease and injury. Built on decades of research, the field of bioelectronic medicine integrates insights from neuroscience, molecular medicine and biomedical engineering, and researchers at the Feinstein Institutes leverage the connection between the brain and the immune system to develop bioelectronic medicine interventions.<\/p> \nThe discovery that initiated the field of bioelectronic medicine \u2013 called the \u201cinflammatory reflex\u201d \u2013 was made more than 30 years ago by Dr. Tracey. This discovery emerged from studies on vagus nerve signaling and showed that the brain and body communicate to regulate inflammation and, if uncontrolled, inflammation could lead to disease. New knowledge then sparked extensive research and clinical trials and led to the first FDA-approved vagus nerve stimulation device<\/a> in July 2025 to treat rheumatoid arthritis \u2013 and Northwell Health was the first in the nation<\/a> to implant the newly approved treatment in patients in August 2025.<\/p> \nToday, engineers, computer scientists, immunologists, neuroscientists and clinicians develop cutting-edge medicine, including neuroimmune modulation, miniature implants for stimulating and recording the vagus nerve, noninvasive ultrasound neuromodulation to suppress inflammation, and novel brain-computer interfaces to overcome injuries of the nervous system. These collaborative efforts converge to create personalized, precise treatments that hold promise in treating acute and chronic diseases, often with fewer side effects compared to current therapies.<\/p> \nThese treatments have the potential to enhance or replace existing treatments across a range of conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, diabetes, cancer and autoimmune disorders. By producing bioelectronic medicine knowledge, disease and injury could one day be treated by our own nerves without costly and potentially harmful pharmaceuticals.<\/p> \nIf you are interested in learning more about the center and current bioelectronic clinical trials offered at Northwell Health, click here<\/a> or call 1-227-BIO-INST (246-4678).<\/p> \nFor more information on the vagus nerve, click here<\/a>.<\/p> \nAbout the Feinstein Institutes\n