Nerve
Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
Posterior tongue, pharynx, parotid
High-yield
Afferent limb of the gag reflex; taste and sensation to the posterior one-third of the tongue; carotid sinus/body baroreceptor and chemoreceptor input.
Overview
The ninth cranial nerve, supplying the stylopharyngeus, taste and sensation to the posterior tongue and pharynx, and parasympathetics to the parotid gland.
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Reference facts
- Roots
- Motor, sensory, and parasympathetic (cranial nerve)
- Course
- Exits the skull through the jugular foramen with CN X and XI
- Motor
- Stylopharyngeus muscle
- Sensory
- Taste and general sensation of the posterior third of the tongue and oropharynx; carotid sinus/body; parasympathetic to the parotid gland (via the otic ganglion)
Frequently asked questions
What type of nerve is the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)?
The glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) is motor, sensory, and parasympathetic (cranial nerve).
What muscles does the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) supply?
The glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) supplies the stylopharyngeus muscle.
What is the sensory distribution of the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)?
The glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) carries sensation from the taste and general sensation of the posterior third of the tongue and oropharynx; carotid sinus/body; parasympathetic to the parotid gland (via the otic ganglion).
What is the course of the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)?
Exits the skull through the jugular foramen with CN X and XI.