Question

Which of the following will be LEAST affected in a

patient with a lesion of the Glossopharyngeal nerve?
A. Taste from the posterior tongue
B. Sensation from the posterior tongue
C. Salivation of the tongue
D. Movement of the tongue

Answer 1

The movement of the tongue is the least affected in a patient with a lesion of the Glossopharyngeal nerve, because the hypoglossal nerve is responsible for this function.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Glossopharyngeal nerve, which is the ninth cranial nerve, has multiple functions including the contraction of muscles in the tongue and throat, sense of taste, particularly from the posterior third of the tongue, and stimulating saliva production. However, it is not responsible for the movement of the tongue; this function is mediated by the hypoglossal nerve, which is the twelfth cranial nerve. Therefore, in a patient with a lesion of the Glossopharyngeal nerve, movement of the tongue would be the least affected compared to taste, sensation of the posterior tongue, and salivation.