Noun: glossopharyngeal nerve
- Sensory nerve to the pharynx and back of the tongue; motor fibers innervate muscles that elevate the pharynx and larynx; includes parasympathetic fibers to the otic ganglion
"The glossopharyngeal nerve plays a role in swallowing and taste sensation";
- nervus glossopharyngeus, ninth cranial nerve
Derived forms: glossopharyngeal nerves
Type of: cranial nerve
Encyclopedia: Glossopharyngeal nerve