Cranial nerve IX

Cranial Nerve IX

Cranial nerve IX, also known as the glossopharyngeal nerve.

The Cranial Nerve IX, also known as the Glossopharyngeal Nerve, is the ninth of twelve paired cranial nerves. It exits the brainstem out from the sides of the upper medulla, just anterior (closer to the nose) to the vagus nerve.

Function

The glossopharyngeal nerve is a mixed nerve that carries afferent sensory and efferent motor information. It receives sensory information from the tonsils, the pharynx, the middle ear and the posterior one-third of the tongue. The glossopharyngeal nerve also supplies parasympathetic fibers to the parotid gland via the otic ganglion.

Structure

The glossopharyngeal nerve is composed of several rootlets which emerge from the medulla oblongata, pass through the jugular foramen and proceed to their respective destinations.

Clinical significance

Damage to the glossopharyngeal nerve can result in loss of taste sensation to the posterior one-third of the tongue, and impaired swallowing.

See also

• Cranial nerves
• Vagus nerve
• Medulla oblongata

External links

• Loyola University Chicago - Cranial Nerve IX