Tongue Innervation — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

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EasyAnatomy (Head & Neck)Tongue InnervationMFDS Part 1

Which nerve provides general sensory innervation, including touch, pain and temperature, to the posterior one-third of the tongue?

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Correct answer: A — Glossopharyngeal nerve (IX)

The glossopharyngeal nerve (cranial nerve IX) carries both general sensation and taste from the posterior one-third of the tongue. The lingual nerve, a branch of V3, carries general sensation from the anterior two-thirds, while taste from that region is carried by chorda tympani fibres of the facial nerve. The vagus supplies sensation around the epiglottic region rather than the defined posterior third. The hypoglossal nerve is principally motor to the tongue, except that palatoglossus is supplied through the vagus. Therefore, the specific reference to touch, pain and temperature in the posterior one-third identifies the glossopharyngeal nerve.

Reference: Coulter P, Otalgia, StatPearls, updated 29 February 2024. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31751020/