Vagal tone is an internal biological process referring to the activity of the va

Question

Vagal tone is an internal biological process referring to the activity of the vagusnerve (the tenth cranial nerve), which originates in the medulla oblongata of the brainstem.The vagus nerve serves as the key component of the parasympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system, regulating the homeostasis (or "resting state") of the majority of the body's internal organ systems that operate on a largely subconscious level, such as the heart, lungs, eyes, adrenal glands, and digestive tract.Vagal Tone represents an index for the functional state of the entire parasympathetic nervous system. High Vagal Tone is an indication that the nervous system is able to harmonize the various systems of the body so that they can function together for the benefit of the whole organism.

Explanation / Answer

Vagal Tone is the degree of activity of Parasympathetic Nervous System that results in the change of Heart rate (pulse rate) and other important functions of the body.The Vagus nerve inhibits the heart and hence if the Vagus nerve is stimulated we experience Bradycardia (decrease in heart rate). Similarly with a decrease in Vagal Tone we experience Tachycardia (increase in heart rate). Professional atheletes normally have a High Vagal Tone and hence have a slow resting Heart Having a good Vagal Tone means having a Quicker, Faster and better response to stimulus and a faster return to normal resting state.

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