Lingual branches of glossopharyngeal nerve

Lingual branches of glossopharyngeal nerve

The glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) is one of the twelve cranial nerves that originate from the brainstem. It is responsible for providing sensory and motor innervation to various structures in the head and neck region. One of its important branches is the lingual branch, which plays a crucial role in the innervation of the tongue.

Anatomy

The glossopharyngeal nerve arises from the medulla oblongata, specifically from the posterior aspect of the brainstem. It exits the skull through the jugular foramen along with the vagus nerve (CN X) and the accessory nerve (CN XI). After exiting the skull, the glossopharyngeal nerve gives rise to several branches, including the lingual branch.

The lingual branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve descends along the posterior border of the stylopharyngeus muscle. It then passes between the superior and middle pharyngeal constrictor muscles before entering the tongue. Within the tongue, the lingual branch divides into multiple lingual branches, each supplying different regions of the tongue.

Function

The lingual branches of the glossopharyngeal nerve are primarily responsible for providing sensory innervation to the posterior one-third of the tongue. This includes the taste sensation from the circumvallate papillae, located at the back of the tongue. The lingual branches also carry general sensory information from the posterior part of the tongue, including touch, temperature, and pain.

In addition to sensory innervation, the lingual branches of the glossopharyngeal nerve also contribute to the motor innervation of the tongue. They supply the styloglossus muscle, which helps in retracting and elevating the tongue. This muscle plays a role in swallowing and speech production.

Clinical Significance

Damage or dysfunction of the lingual branches of the glossopharyngeal nerve can lead to various clinical manifestations. Patients may experience altered taste sensation in the posterior part of the tongue, resulting in a loss of taste or a distorted taste perception. They may also complain of numbness or tingling in the affected area.

Furthermore, dysfunction of the lingual branches can affect the motor function of the tongue. This can lead to difficulties in swallowing, speech articulation, and overall tongue movement. Patients may have trouble controlling food and liquids in their mouth, leading to problems with chewing and swallowing.

Related Articles

To learn more about the cranial nerves and their functions, you may find the following articles helpful:

• Cranial nerves
• Glossopharyngeal nerve
• Tongue anatomy
• Swallowing disorders

References

1. Standring, S. (Ed.). (2016). Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice (41st ed.). Elsevier.

2. Drake, R. L., Vogl, W., & Mitchell, A. W. M. (2014). Gray's Anatomy for Students (3rd ed.). Elsevier.

3. Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2014). Clinically Oriented Anatomy (7th ed.). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

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