By Jade Caswell, MA, LMHC The vagus nerve is the most extensive nerve pathway in the body and is a component of the parasympathetic nervous system. The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for the 'rest and digest' response in the body and can aid individuals in feeling more grounded and relaxed. To visualize the extent and size of the vagus nerve, picture the human body: this nerve extends from the brain to the gut. Beginning in the medulla, the v