GROSS ANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -As mentioned above, Following intraoral stimulation, afferent fibers from the trigeminal, glossopharyngeal, and vagus nerves pass to the medulla oblongata. From here, efferent impulses give rise to spasmodic and uncoordinated muscle movements characteristic of gagging.

Detailed explanation-2: -Stimulation of the soft palate can also elicit the gag reflex; in this case, the sensory limb is the trigeminal nerve (CN V). Here, sensory stimulation of the soft palate travels through the nucleus of the spinal tract of the trigeminal nerve.

Detailed explanation-3: -General somatic afferent: this component of the glossopharyngeal nerve transmits general sensory information from inside of the tympanic membrane, skin of the external ear, upper portion of the pharynx and general sensation from the posterior one-third of the tongue.

Detailed explanation-4: -The glossopharyngeal nerve is the ninth set of 12 cranial nerves (CN IX). It provides motor, parasympathetic and sensory information to your mouth and throat.

Detailed explanation-5: -As stated above, the glossopharyngeal nerve provides motor innervation to the stylopharyngeus muscle, which is responsible for elevating the pharynx and larynx.