Glossopharyngeal nerve
Glossopharyngeal Nerve
The Glossopharyngeal Nerve (pronounced: glɒsoʊfəˈrɪndʒiəl nɜːrv), also known as the ninth cranial nerve or CN IX, is a mixed nerve that carries afferent sensory and efferent motor information. It exits the brainstem out from the sides of the upper medulla, just anterior (closer to the nose) to the vagus nerve.
Etymology
The term "Glossopharyngeal" comes from the Greek words "glossa," meaning tongue, and "pharynx," meaning throat. This nerve is so named because it supplies innervation to the stylopharyngeus muscle and provides sensory innervation to the oropharynx and back of the tongue.
Structure
The Glossopharyngeal nerve is a mixed nerve with both sensory and motor functions. It has several branches, including the tympanic nerve, the carotid sinus nerve, and the lingual branches. It also has a close relationship with the vagus nerve and the accessory nerve.
Function
The Glossopharyngeal nerve has many roles, including:
- Sensory: It provides sensory innervation to the oropharynx, the posterior third of the tongue, the middle ear, and the carotid body and sinus.
- Motor: It provides motor innervation to the stylopharyngeus muscle, which helps in swallowing.
Clinical Significance
Damage to the Glossopharyngeal nerve can result in loss of taste sensation to the posterior third of the tongue, loss of gag reflex, and difficulty swallowing, a condition known as Glossopharyngeal neuralgia.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Glossopharyngeal nerve
- Wikipedia's article - Glossopharyngeal nerve
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