Glossopharyngeal nerve
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
The glossopharyngeal nerve (n. Glossopharyngeus) contains sensory, motor and secretory (parasympathetic) fibers. Sensitive fibers terminate on the nuclei of the single-path nucleus, the motor fibers exit from the double core, the vegetative fibers come from the lower salivary nucleus. The glossopharyngeal nerve emerges from the medulla oblongata by 4-5 roots behind the olive tree, next to the roots of the vagus and accessory nerves. Together with these nerves the glossopharyngeal nerve goes to the jugular opening, to its anterior part. In the jugular aperture, the nerve thickens and forms the upper node (ganglion superius), or intracranial node. Under the jugular hole, in the area of the stony dimple, is the lower node (ganglion inferius), or the extracranial node of the glossopharyngeal nerve. Both nodes are formed by pseudo-unipolar neuron bodies. Their central processes are directed to the core of a single path. The peripheral processes of these cells follow from the receptors located in the mucous membranes of the posterior third of the tongue, the pharynx, the tympanum, from the sleeping sinus and the glomerulus.
After exiting the jugular orifice, the lingopharyngeal nerve passes to the lateral surface of the internal carotid artery. Passing further between the internal carotid artery and the internal jugular vein, the lingopharyngeal nerve makes an arcuate bend downward, directed down and forwards between the shillopharyngeal and stylus muscles to the root of the tongue. The final branches of the glossopharyngeal nerve are the lingual branches (r. Linguales), which branch out in the mucosa of the posterior third of the tongue. The branches of the glossopharyngeal nerve are the tympanic nerve, as well as the sinus, pharyngeal, shillopharyngeal and other branches.
The drum nerve (n. Tympanicus) contains the sensitive and secretory fibers (parasympathetic), departs from the lower node of the glossopharyngeal nerve into the stony dimple and into the tympanic tubule of the temporal bone. In the mucosa of the tympanic cavity, the nerve forms a plexus tympanicus (plexus tympanicus) together with the silicate postganglionic fibers of the sleepy-drum nerves (nn. Caroticotympanici). Sensitive fibers of the plexus plexus innervate the mucosa of the tympanic cavity, the cells of the mastoid process, the auditory tube (tubal branch, r. Tubarius). The fibers of the tympanic plexus gather into a small stony nerve that exits from the tympanum to the anterior surface of the temporal bone pyramid through the cleft of the channel of the small stony nerve. Then this nerve through the cartilage of the lacerated hole leaves the cavity of the skull and enters the ear (parasympathetic) node. The small stony nerve (n. Petrosus minor) is formed by preganglionic parasympathetic secretory for the parotid gland fibers, which are axons of the lower salivary nucleus.
The sinus branch (r. Sinus carotici), or the nerve of Goering, sensitive, goes down to the region of bifurcation of the common carotid artery and to the sleepy glomerulus located here.
Pharyngeal branches (r. Pharyngei, s. Pharyngeales) in the number of two or three enter the pharyngeal wall from the lateral side. Together with the branches of the vagus nerve and sympathetic trunk form a pharyngeal plexus.
The branch of the shihlogochnoy muscle (r. Musculi stylopharyngei) motor, goes forward to the same muscle.
The amygdala branches (rr. Tonsillares) are sensitive, depart from the glossopharyngeal nerve before entering the root of the tongue, are directed to the mucous membrane of the palatine arch and to the palatine tonsil.
What do need to examine?
How to examine?