The vagus nerve (CN X) originates in the medulla, which was archaically called the bulb (also where the commonly used term “bulbar” comes from), and also called the myelencephalon. The term vagus has Latin roots, meaning “wanderer/ing,” and may have acquired its name due to its winding path through the body and subsequent innervation of many organs. It exits the skull through the jugular foramen (like a tunnel) with two other nerves – glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) and spinal accessary nerve (CN XI). Though the vagus nerve has many functions, one of its main functions is to provide parasympathetic innervation to the heart and gut, and thus help to rest and digest.