Noun: ninth cranial 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 ninth cranial nerve plays a role in swallowing and taste sensation";
- glossopharyngeal nerve, nervus glossopharyngeus
Derived forms: ninth cranial nerves
Type of: cranial nerve
Encyclopedia: Ninth cranial nerve