MRCP UK EXAMINATIONS

Detailed explanation-1: -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. Among its many functions, the nerve helps raise part of your throat, enabling swallowing.

Detailed explanation-2: -The vagal nerve (VN), the tenth cranial nerve, provides both motor and sensory innervation, and plays an important role in the pharyngeal phase of swallowing [4, 6].

Detailed explanation-3: -Special visceral efferent fibers (branchial motor) are the main motor fibers of the glossopharyngeal nerve and supply motor innervation to the stylopharyngeus muscle. This muscle is responsible for elevating the larynx and pharynx, especially during speaking and swallowing.

Detailed explanation-4: -The following cranial nerves are involved in swallowing: Trigeminal (cranial nerve V) Facial (cranial nerve VII) Glossopharyngeal (cranial nerve IX)

Detailed explanation-5: -Glossopharyngeal nerve lesions produce difficulty swallowing; impairment of taste over the posterior one-third of the tongue and palate; impaired sensation over the posterior one-third of the tongue, palate, and pharynx; an absent gag reflex; and dysfunction of the parotid gland.