Final answer:
The general sensory innervation of the tongue is provided by the facial, glossopharyngeal, and vagus nerves, which handle different aspects of taste and general sensations in various regions of the tongue.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cranial nerves responsible for general sensory to the tongue are the facial nerve (CNVII), the glossopharyngeal nerve (CNIX), and the vagus nerve (CNX). The facial nerve handles the anterior two-thirds for both taste and general sensory functions, while the glossopharyngeal nerve is responsible for the posterior one-third of the tongue, including taste and general sensations. The vagus nerve also provides general sensory innervation to the extreme posterior region of the tongue and contributes to the gag reflex. These nerves project to the solitary nucleus in the brainstem and then to the gustatory cortex for taste perception. The sensory discrimination of touch versus painful stimuli is also conveyed by these cranial nerves