anterior vagal trunk anterior vagal trunk the anterior vagal trunk is one of the two divisions (the other being the posterior vagal trunk) into which the vagus nerve splits as it passes through the esophageal hiatus to enter the abdominal cavity. the anterior and posterior vagal trunks represent the inferior continuation of the esophageal nervous plexus inferior to the diaphragm. the majority of nerve fibres in the anterior vagal trunk are derived from the left vagus nerve. anterior vagal trunkthe tracheobronchial lymph nodescourse and distribution of the glossopharyngeal, vagus, and accessory nerves.detailsidentifierslatintruncus vagalis anteriorta98a14.2.01.174ta26674fma6226anatomical terms of neuroanatomy the anterior vagal trunk is responsible mainly for providing parasympathetic innervation to the lesser curvature of the stomach, pylorus, gallbladder, and biliary apparatus. anatomy branches hepatic branch which supply the liver, gallbladder, and biliary apparatus. celiac branch which contributes parasympathetic afferents to the celiac plexus. anterior gastric branches which supply the stomach. anterior and posterior nerves of latarjet which innervate the pylorus, and proximal duodenum. clinical significance the anterior vagal trunk and its branches are at risk of iatrogenic injury during surgeries of the distal oesophagus, stomach, proximal duodenum, gallbladder, and biliary tract.