Pharyngeal nerve

Pharyngeal nerve is a branch of the vagus nerve, which is the tenth cranial nerve. It is responsible for innervating the muscles of the pharynx and soft palate, excluding the stylopharyngeus and tensor veli palatini muscles.

Etymology

The term "pharyngeal" comes from the Greek word "pharynx" which means "throat" and the Latin word "nervus" which means "nerve". The term "vagus" is derived from the Latin word "vagus" which means "wandering". This is because the vagus nerve extends from the brain to the abdomen, wandering through the body.

Anatomy

The pharyngeal nerve arises from the upper part of the medulla oblongata, a part of the brainstem. It passes through the jugular foramen with the vagus and accessory nerves, and descends to the neck within the carotid sheath.

Function

The pharyngeal nerve provides motor innervation to most of the muscles of the pharynx and soft palate, which are involved in swallowing and speech. It also provides sensory innervation to the pharynx and the back of the throat.

Clinical significance

Damage to the pharyngeal nerve can result in difficulty swallowing, known as dysphagia, and a condition called palatal myoclonus. This nerve can be affected in neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis and Guillain-Barré syndrome.

See also

• Cranial nerves
• Vagus nerve
• Pharynx
• Soft palate

References

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