Question

What cranial nerve innervates the posterior 1/3rd of the tongue, soft palate, and oropharynx?

a) Cranial Nerve V (Trigeminal)
b) Cranial Nerve VII (Facial)
c) Cranial Nerve IX (Glossopharyngeal)
d) Cranial Nerve X (Vagus)

Answer 1

The Glossopharyngeal nerve (Cranial Nerve IX) innervates the posterior 1/3rd of the tongue, soft palate, and oropharynx, and is responsible for taste sensations, saliva production, and contributing to the gag reflex.

Step-by-step explanation:

The cranial nerve that innervates the posterior 1/3rd of the tongue, soft palate, and oropharynx is the Glossopharyngeal nerve, which is the ninth cranial nerve (Cranial Nerve IX). This nerve is responsible for a variety of functions, including the contraction of muscles in the tongue and throat, sensations of taste, and triggering saliva production. The Glossopharyngeal nerve also plays a role in mediating the gag reflex by relaying general sensations from the pharyngeal walls. The motor response of the gag reflex involves the contraction of muscles of the pharynx and is mediated through the Vagus nerve (Cranial Nerve X).