Cranial nerve IX (n. Glossopharyngeus), also known as the glossopharyngeus nerve, is one of the cranial nerves and belongs to the group of paired cranial nerves. It is responsible for the innervation of the mucous membrane of the pharynx, soft palate, lingual tonsil, back of the tongue and the area behind the ear.
Cranial nerve IX is the ninth cranial nerve that exits the medulla oblongata through the large foramen in the pyramids of the temporal bones. It divides into two branches: the pharyngeal nerve and the vagus nerve. The pharyngeal nerve is responsible for the innervation of the posterior wall of the pharynx and the lingual tonsil. The vagus nerve, in turn, innervates the muscles of the larynx, trachea, esophagus, heart, lungs and other organs.
Disturbances in the functioning of the cranial nerve IX can lead to various diseases, such as laryngeal dysfunction, swallowing disorders, loss of taste, problems with the tongue, as well as other diseases associated with the functioning of the organs innervated by this nerve.
Treatment of disorders of the IX cranial nerve can be either conservative or surgical. Conservative treatment may include drug therapy, physiotherapy, kinesiotherapy and other methods. Surgical treatment may be necessary for severe forms of the disease.
Thus, cranial nerve IX plays an important role in the functioning of the human body. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor his health and, if necessary, seek help from specialists.