Connection lost. Please refresh the page.
Online
Get help How to study Login Register

Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)

Learning objectives

After working through this study unit you will be able to:

  1. Describe the structure, course and relations of the glossopharyngeal nerve.
  2. Name the associated nuclei of the glossopharyngeal nerve.
  3. List the branches and functions of the glossopharyngeal nerve.

Watch video

The glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) is a mixed cranial nerve that carries both motor and sensory fibers. Its functions include:

  • general somatic afferent (GSA) innervation of the tongue and throat
  • special visceral afferent (SVA) sensation of taste to the posterior third of the tongue 
  • general visceral afferent (GVA) sensation from specific structures of the common carotid artery (carotid sinus and carotid body) 
  • general somatic efferent (GSE) innervation is also provided  to the stylopharyngeus muscle 
  • general visceral efferent (GVE) secretomotor (parasympathetic) innervation to the parotid gland

The glossopharyngeal nerve has four nuclei which are located in the medulla. Motor fibers of the nerve originate from the nucleus ambiguus and inferior salivatory nucleus, while the sensory fibers of the nerve originate in the sensory nuclei of the trigeminal nerve (CN V) and nuclei of the solitary tract. The glossopharyngeal nerve emerges from the lateral region of the medulla and exits the cranial cavity through the jugular foramen. After exiting the cranium, the nerve gives rise to the tympanic, carotid, pharyngeal, muscular, tonsillar and lingual branches that supply several structures in the head and neck.

This video will help you learn more about the glossopharyngeal nerve.

Take a quiz

Test your knowledge and consolidate it with the following quiz:

Do you want to learn more about the glossopharyngeal and other cranial nerves? Try out this customizable quiz to improve your understanding. You can tailor it to your preference and save your selection for later!

Browse atlas

Take a look at our atlas gallery to further review the course, distribution and supply of the glossopharyngeal nerve in more detail.

Summary

Key points about the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
Structure Fiber types: General somatic efferent (GSE), special visceral afferent (SVA), general somatic afferent (GSA), general visceral afferent (GVA), general visceral efferent (GVE)
Origin:
Medulla oblongata
Exists skull:
Jugular foramen

Associated nuclei:

Motor: Nucleus ambiguus (SVE) and inferior salivatory nucleus (GVE)
Sensory: Nucleus of trigeminal nerve (GSA) and nuclei of solitary tract (SVA)

Associated ganglia:

Sensory: Superior and inferior ganglia of glossopharyngeal nerve
Parasympathetic: Otic ganglion
Branches Tympanic nerve
Carotid branch
Pharyngeal branches
Stylopharyngeal branch
Tonsillar branches
Lingual branch
Function Motor innervation: Stylopharyngeus muscle
Taste innervation:
Posterior third of tongue
General sensation:
Tympanic cavity, eustachian tube, fauces, tonsils, nasopharynx, uvula and posterior third of tongue
Visceral sensation:
Carotid body and sinus
Parasympathetic innervation:
Parotid gland

Well done!

Related articles

Continue your learning

Register now and grab your free ultimate anatomy study guide!