Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)

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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, and general visceral afferent (GVA) sensation from specific structures of the common carotid artery (carotid sinus and carotid body). The nerve also provides general somatic efferent (GSE) innervation to the stylopharyngeus muscle and finally, 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.

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