Which symptom is characteristic of damage to Cranial Nerve X?

Damage to Cranial Nerve X, also known as the vagus nerve, primarily affects autonomic functions and has a significant impact on voice and swallowing. The symptom of hoarseness arises due to the nerve’s role in innervating the larynx, which is crucial for producing sound. Damage to this nerve can lead to vocal cord dysfunction, resulting in a hoarse voice. Additionally, the vagus nerve plays a role in autonomic control of the heart, including heart rate. Tachycardia, or an increased heart rate, can occur due to impaired parasympathetic regulation when the vagus nerve is damaged. Thus, both hoarseness and tachycardia are directly associated with the functions mediated by Cranial Nerve X, making this response characteristic of its damage.

Other symptoms listed involve different cranial nerves or bodily functions that are not directly associated with the vagus nerve, highlighting the specificity of the symptoms to each cranial nerve.