Functions
There are a number of functions of the glossopharyngeal nerve:
- It receives general sensory fibers (ventral trigeminothalamic tract) from the tonsils, the pharynx, the middle ear and the posterior 1/3 of the tongue.
- It receives special sensory fibers (taste) from the posterior one-third of the tongue.
- It receives visceral sensory fibers from the carotid bodies, carotid sinus.
- It supplies parasympathetic fibers to the parotid gland via the otic ganglion.
(From: inferior salivary nucleus - through jugular foramen - tympanic n.(of Jacobson)- lesser petrosal n. - through foramen ovale - Otic ganglion (Pre-Ganglionic Parasympathetic fibers synapse, to start Post-Ganglionic Parasympathetic fibers) - Auriculotemporal n.(Parasympathetics hitchhikes to reach Parotid gland)
- It supplies motor fibers to stylopharyngeus muscle, the only motor component of this cranial nerve.
- It contributes to the pharyngeal plexus.
Read more about this topic: Glossopharyngeal Nerve
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