The 9th cranial nerve is the glossopharyngeal nerve. It plays a vital role in various functions, including:
- Sensory: It carries taste sensations from the posterior third of the tongue and sensations from the soft palate, tonsils, and pharynx.
- Motor: It controls the stylopharyngeus muscle, which helps with swallowing.
- Parasympathetic: It provides parasympathetic innervation to the parotid gland, which produces saliva.
The glossopharyngeal nerve originates from the medulla oblongata and terminates in the pharynx. It can be tested during a neurological exam by evaluating the gag reflex and observing any swallowing difficulties.
