what are the 5 functions of CN IX (glossopharyngeal)?
stylopharyngeus muscle (somatic motor)parasympathetic partoid salivary gland (visceral motor)carotid body(visceral sensory)skin near the ear (general sensory)taste posterior 1/3 of tongue (special sensory)
The glossopharyngeal nerve, also known as CN IX, is one of the 12 cranial nerves that originate from the brainstem. This nerve has several functions, including:
1. Sensory innervation of the posterior part of the tongue: The glossopharyngeal nerve carries sensory information from the posterior one third of the tongue, including taste sensation.
2. Sensory innervation of the pharynx: CN IX also provides sensory innervation to the oropharynx, which includes the back of the throat, tonsils, and posterior third of the tongue.
3. Motor innervation of the pharyngeal muscles: The nerve controls the muscles of the pharynx, including the stylopharyngeus muscles that help raise the larynx during swallowing.
4. Regulation of blood pressure: CN IX plays a role in regulating blood pressure through receptors in the carotid body and baroreceptors in the carotid sinus.
5. Secretion of saliva: The glossopharyngeal nerve also stimulates the parotid gland to produce saliva.
Overall, CN IX has both sensory and motor functions in the head and neck region.
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