Question

Which cranial nerve innervates the hard and soft palate and anterior 2/3rds of the tongue?

a) Cranial Nerve V (Trigeminal)
b) Cranial Nerve VII (Facial)
c) Cranial Nerve IX (Glossopharyngeal)
d) Cranial Nerve XII (Hypoglossal)

Answer 1

The glossopharyngeal nerve (cranial nerve IX) innervates the hard and soft palate and anterior 2/3rds of the tongue. It plays a role in taste sensation and salivation in the oral cavity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The glossopharyngeal nerve (cranial nerve IX) innervates the hard and soft palate and the anterior 2/3rds of the tongue. It plays a role in taste sensation and salivation in the oral cavity. The glossopharyngeal nerve is responsible for transmitting taste information from the tongue to the brain, as well as relaying general sensations from the pharyngeal walls.