GLOSSOPHARYNGEUS Meaning and
Definition
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The glossopharyngeal nerve, also known as the glossopharyngeus or cranial nerve IX, is one of the twelve cranial nerves originating from the brain. It is predominantly a sensory nerve that serves various regions of the head and neck, and also possesses some motor functions.
With its name derived from Greek roots, "glosso-" meaning tongue and "-pharyngeal" referring to the pharynx, the glossopharyngeal nerve innervates both of these structures. In terms of sensory innervation, it provides sensation to the posterior-third of the tongue, the mucosa of the oropharynx, and the tonsillar region. Additionally, it plays a vital role in taste perception, transmitting gustatory fibers from the posterior one-third of the tongue to the brain.
Aside from its sensory functions, the glossopharyngeal nerve also has some motor components. It innervates certain muscles that are involved in crucial functions such as swallowing and speech, specifically the stylopharyngeus muscle.
Furthermore, this cranial nerve contributes to crucial autonomic functions, as it carries parasympathetic fibers to the parotid gland, regulating salivary secretion.
Dysfunction or damage to the glossopharyngeal nerve can result in various symptoms, including difficulties with swallowing, altered taste perception, decreased saliva production, and impaired general sensory perception in the affected regions.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for GLOSSOPHARYNGEUS
- glossopharyngeal
- flossopharyngeus
- vlossopharyngeus
- blossopharyngeus
- hlossopharyngeus
- ylossopharyngeus
- tlossopharyngeus
- gkossopharyngeus
- gpossopharyngeus
- goossopharyngeus
- glissopharyngeus
- glkssopharyngeus
- gllssopharyngeus
- glpssopharyngeus
- gl0ssopharyngeus
- gl9ssopharyngeus
- gloasopharyngeus
- glozsopharyngeus
- gloxsopharyngeus
- glodsopharyngeus
Etymology of GLOSSOPHARYNGEUS
The word "glossopharyngeus" is derived from two Latin roots: "glosso" meaning "tongue" and "pharyngeus" meaning "pharynx".
The Latin word "glossa" comes from the Greek word "glōssa" which also means "tongue". The word "pharyngeus" comes from the Greek word "pharynx", which refers to the part of the digestive tract that connects the mouth and the esophagus.
When combined, "glossopharyngeus" refers to the ninth cranial nerve, also known as the glossopharyngeal nerve. This nerve is responsible for the movement and sensation of the throat and tongue muscles.
Similar spelling word for GLOSSOPHARYNGEUS
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