Sensory to Pharynx, Tonsil, Soft Palate, posterior 1/3rd of Tongue, Carotid body & Carotid Sinus (PPTTCC)
Motor to Stylopharyngeus
Secreto-motor to Parotid Gland
Gustatory to tongue and circumvallate papillae
Nuclei
Functional Components
Branches
Tympanic branch
Lingual branch
Carotid branch
Pharyngeal branch
Tonsillar branch
Muscular branch (to Stylopharyngeus)
Clinical Anatomy
Lesion of IXth nerve causes : absence of parotid secretion, absence of taste from posterior 1/3rd of tongue and circumvallate papillae, loss of pain sensations from tongue, tonsils, pharynx and soft palate
Glossopharyngeal neuralgia : short, sharp and severe attack of pain affecting posterior part of pharynx or tonsillar area
Jugular foramen syndrome due to injury at jugular foramen resulting in multiple nerve palsies
Clinical testing : GAG reflex, taste sensations on posterior tongue
Pharyngitis causes referred pain in the ear due to same supply by IXth nerve (DD – Eustachian catarrh)