Glossopharyngeal

The glossopharyngeal nerve is the 9th (among the 12) paired set of cranial nerves. From the brainstem, it travels through the skull base until it reaches the mouth. It is important in carrying and receiving information from various parts such as the tongue, soft palate, tonsils, carotid artery, pharynx, and middle ear. The glossopharyngeal nerve is also instrumental in the mechanisms of swallowing, talking, and salivating. Physicians often refer to it as a mixed nerve because it has both movement and sensory functions.