Glossopharyngeal nerve root (CN IX)

Radix nervi glossopharyngei

NervousOrgansHead

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What it is
The uppermost of a row of rootlets leaving the postolivary sulcus of the medulla, behind the olive. Shown as a short stub on both sides; the nerve continues in the peripheral nervous system.
Function
Taste and sensation from the back of the tongue and pharynx; carotid sinus and body reflexes; parotid secretion.
Size
Stub about 1 cm; root 1.8 mm thick
Clinical note
Leaves the skull through the jugular foramen with X and XI, so tumours there affect all three.

Nearby nervous structures Abducens nerve root (CN VI), Accessory nerve root (CN XI), Facial nerve root (CN VII), Fourth ventricle, Hypoglossal nerve root (CN XII), Medulla oblongata, Pons, Trigeminal nerve root (CN V), Vagus nerve root (CN X), Vestibulocochlear nerve root (CN VIII)