Condition of the uvula and soft palate as an indicator of ventral branch of the vagus nerve function and neurological disorganization in dentists and dental students

The vagus nerve is the main component of the autonomic nervous system. According to polyvagal theory, this nerve is considered as two structurally and functionally separate branches, ventral and dorsal. The dorsal branch is found in most vertebrates. It is associated with primary survival strategies in conditions of severe stress, forcing to «play dead in order to survive». The ventral branch is characteristic of mammals and has an inhibitory effect on the sympathetic pathways to the heart and thus promotes calm and prosocial behavior. This branch ensures the functioning of the esophagus, bronchi, larynx and pharynx. We studied the functional state of the ventral branch, considering that it is the one innervating the soft palate muscle and the muscles of the uvula. As a working hypothesis, we assumed that the dysfunctional state of the above muscles is found in functional disadaptation of the ventral branch of the vagus nerve and in the regulatory reflex mechanisms of the nervous system, i.e. in «neurological disorganization». Neurological disorganization was detected in a fifth of those examined. In this group, dysfunctional condition of the uvula and the soft palate was significantly more common than in normal neurological organization. Therefore, we recommend to use the detection of a tilt of the uvula and unilateral sagging of the soft palate at rest and during exercise as a reliable visual indicator for the diagnosis of neurological disorganization. In conditions of normal neurological organization, the most sensitive diagnostic indicator of functional disadaptation of the ventral branch of the vagus nerve is unilateral sagging of the soft palate when makingg the sound «a-a-a». We recommend to use the results obtained to diagnose neurological disorganization and functional disadaptation of the ventral branch of the vagus nerve.

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