Sensory neural input from the posterior one-third of the tongue is supplied by______________?
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Answer: D. Glossopharyngeal nerve
Explanation
Sensory neural input from the posterior one-third of the tongue is supplied by the glossopharyngeal nerve. This nerve transmits both general sensory and taste information from the posterior lingual region. The circumvallate papillae on the back of the tongue fall within this specific nerve territory. The tongue possesses a complex sensory innervation pattern reflecting its diverse embryological origins. Cranial nerve IX provides sensory fibers that monitor taste and touch on the posterior tongue. Signals travel back to the solitary tract nucleus in the brainstem for central taste processing.
Gag reflex testing often stimulates this posterior tongue region innervated by the glossopharyngeal nerve. Loss of taste sensation on the back of the tongue indicates potential damage to cranial nerve IX. Clinical evaluations of swallowing disorders include checking sensory responses in the posterior oral cavity. The facial nerve provides taste sensation to the anterior two thirds of the tongue via chorda tympani. The trigeminal nerve supplies general somatic sensation to the anterior tongue through its lingual branch. The mandibular nerve provides general sensation to anterior regions but not the posterior tongue.
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