SYSTEM

Anatomy test of the glossopharyngeal nerve

Test your knowledge of the glossopharyngeal nerve anatomy. The test covers its topography, branches, nuclei, and all areas of innervation.

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1. From which groove of the medulla oblongata does the glossopharyngeal nerve (IX pair) exit?

Bulbopontine groove

The glossopharyngeal nerve exits via the posterolateral (postolivary) groove of the medulla oblongata alongside the vagus and accessory nerves.
Posterolateral groove

The glossopharyngeal nerve exits via the posterolateral (postolivary) groove of the medulla oblongata alongside the vagus and accessory nerves.
Anterior median fissure

The glossopharyngeal nerve exits via the posterolateral (postolivary) groove of the medulla oblongata alongside the vagus and accessory nerves.
Anterolateral groove

The glossopharyngeal nerve exits via the posterolateral (postolivary) groove of the medulla oblongata alongside the vagus and accessory nerves.
I find it difficult to answer

The glossopharyngeal nerve exits via the posterolateral (postolivary) groove of the medulla oblongata alongside the vagus and accessory nerves.

2. Through which skull foramen does the glossopharyngeal nerve leave its cavity?

Foramen ovale

The glossopharyngeal nerve passes through the anterior part (pars nervosa) of the jugular foramen.
Foramen rotundum

The glossopharyngeal nerve passes through the anterior part (pars nervosa) of the jugular foramen.
Foramen lacerum

The glossopharyngeal nerve passes through the anterior part (pars nervosa) of the jugular foramen.
Jugular foramen

The glossopharyngeal nerve passes through the anterior part (pars nervosa) of the jugular foramen.
I find it difficult to answer

The glossopharyngeal nerve passes through the anterior part (pars nervosa) of the jugular foramen.

3. Which nucleus provides motor innervation of the muscles from the glossopharyngeal nerve?

Inferior salivatory nucleus

The nucleus ambiguus is the common motor nucleus for the IX, X, and XI pairs of cranial nerves.
Nucleus of the solitary tract

The nucleus ambiguus is the common motor nucleus for the IX, X, and XI pairs of cranial nerves.
Nucleus ambiguus

The nucleus ambiguus is the common motor nucleus for the IX, X, and XI pairs of cranial nerves.
Dorsal nucleus

The nucleus ambiguus is the common motor nucleus for the IX, X, and XI pairs of cranial nerves.
I find it difficult to answer

The nucleus ambiguus is the common motor nucleus for the IX, X, and XI pairs of cranial nerves.

4. Which muscle is innervated by the motor fibers of the glossopharyngeal nerve?

Stylopharyngeus muscle

The glossopharyngeal nerve innervates only one muscle – the stylopharyngeus (m. stylopharyngeus), which elevates the pharynx.
Palatopharyngeal muscle

The glossopharyngeal nerve innervates only one muscle – the stylopharyngeus (m. stylopharyngeus), which elevates the pharynx.
Superior pharyngeal constrictor = Superior constrictor muscle of pharynx

The glossopharyngeal nerve innervates only one muscle – the stylopharyngeus (m. stylopharyngeus), which elevates the pharynx.
Tube-pharyngeal muscle

The glossopharyngeal nerve innervates only one muscle – the stylopharyngeus (m. stylopharyngeus), which elevates the pharynx.
I find it difficult to answer

The glossopharyngeal nerve innervates only one muscle – the stylopharyngeus (m. stylopharyngeus), which elevates the pharynx.

5. Which nucleus is the source of parasympathetic (secretory) fibers of the IX pair of cranial nerves?

Superior salivatory nucleus

The inferior salivatory nucleus (nucleus salivarius inferior) gives rise to pre-ganglionic parasympathetic fibers.
Inferior salivatory nucleus

The inferior salivatory nucleus (nucleus salivarius inferior) gives rise to pre-ganglionic parasympathetic fibers.
Edinger-Westphal nucleus

The inferior salivatory nucleus (nucleus salivarius inferior) gives rise to pre-ganglionic parasympathetic fibers.
Nucleus ambiguus

The inferior salivatory nucleus (nucleus salivarius inferior) gives rise to pre-ganglionic parasympathetic fibers.
I find it difficult to answer

The inferior salivatory nucleus (nucleus salivarius inferior) gives rise to pre-ganglionic parasympathetic fibers.

6. In which autonomic ganglion do the parasympathetic fibers of the glossopharyngeal nerve interrupt?

Pterygopalatine ganglion

Pre-ganglionic parasympathetic fibers of the lesser petrosal nerve (branch of IX pair) switch to post-ganglionic in the otic ganglion (ganglion oticum).
Ciliary ganglion

Pre-ganglionic parasympathetic fibers of the lesser petrosal nerve (branch of IX pair) switch to post-ganglionic in the otic ganglion (ganglion oticum).
Otic ganglion

Pre-ganglionic parasympathetic fibers of the lesser petrosal nerve (branch of IX pair) switch to post-ganglionic in the otic ganglion (ganglion oticum).
Submandibular ganglion

Pre-ganglionic parasympathetic fibers of the lesser petrosal nerve (branch of IX pair) switch to post-ganglionic in the otic ganglion (ganglion oticum).
I find it difficult to answer

Pre-ganglionic parasympathetic fibers of the lesser petrosal nerve (branch of IX pair) switch to post-ganglionic in the otic ganglion (ganglion oticum).

7. Which branch arises from the glossopharyngeal nerve in the area of the jugular foramen and enters the tympanic cavity?

Pharyngeal branch

The tympanic nerve (n. tympanicus) branches from the inferior ganglion of the glossopharyngeal nerve and penetrates the tympanic cavity through the tympanic canaliculus.
Tonsillar branch

The tympanic nerve (n. tympanicus) branches from the inferior ganglion of the glossopharyngeal nerve and penetrates the tympanic cavity through the tympanic canaliculus.
Sinus branch

The tympanic nerve (n. tympanicus) branches from the inferior ganglion of the glossopharyngeal nerve and penetrates the tympanic cavity through the tympanic canaliculus.
Tympanic nerve

The tympanic nerve (n. tympanicus) branches from the inferior ganglion of the glossopharyngeal nerve and penetrates the tympanic cavity through the tympanic canaliculus.
I find it difficult to answer

The tympanic nerve (n. tympanicus) branches from the inferior ganglion of the glossopharyngeal nerve and penetrates the tympanic cavity through the tympanic canaliculus.

8. With which nerves does the tympanic nerve form the tympanic plexus?

Caroticotympanic nerves

The tympanic plexus is formed by the tympanic nerve (branch of IX pair) and sympathetic caroticotympanic nerves from the internal carotid plexus.
Deep petrosal nerve

The tympanic plexus is formed by the tympanic nerve (branch of IX pair) and sympathetic caroticotympanic nerves from the internal carotid plexus.
Greater petrosal nerve

The tympanic plexus is formed by the tympanic nerve (branch of IX pair) and sympathetic caroticotympanic nerves from the internal carotid plexus.
Auriculotemporal nerve

The tympanic plexus is formed by the tympanic nerve (branch of IX pair) and sympathetic caroticotympanic nerves from the internal carotid plexus.
I find it difficult to answer

The tympanic plexus is formed by the tympanic nerve (branch of IX pair) and sympathetic caroticotympanic nerves from the internal carotid plexus.

9. The lesser petrosal nerve (n. petrosus minor) continues from which nerve upon exiting the tympanic plexus?

Greater petrosal nerve

Exiting the tympanic cavity through the hiatus of the lesser petrosal nerve, the tympanic nerve continues as the lesser petrosal nerve.
Tympanic nerve

Exiting the tympanic cavity through the hiatus of the lesser petrosal nerve, the tympanic nerve continues as the lesser petrosal nerve.
Deep petrosal nerve

Exiting the tympanic cavity through the hiatus of the lesser petrosal nerve, the tympanic nerve continues as the lesser petrosal nerve.
Chorda tympani

Exiting the tympanic cavity through the hiatus of the lesser petrosal nerve, the tympanic nerve continues as the lesser petrosal nerve.
I find it difficult to answer

Exiting the tympanic cavity through the hiatus of the lesser petrosal nerve, the tympanic nerve continues as the lesser petrosal nerve.

10. What fibers are carried within the lesser petrosal nerve?

Preganglionic parasympathetic

The lesser petrosal nerve contains pre-ganglionic parasympathetic fibers, following to the otic ganglion.
Postganglionic parasympathetic

The lesser petrosal nerve contains pre-ganglionic parasympathetic fibers, following to the otic ganglion.
Pre-ganglionic sympathetic

The lesser petrosal nerve contains pre-ganglionic parasympathetic fibers, following to the otic ganglion.
Motor somatic

The lesser petrosal nerve contains pre-ganglionic parasympathetic fibers, following to the otic ganglion.
I find it difficult to answer

The lesser petrosal nerve contains pre-ganglionic parasympathetic fibers, following to the otic ganglion.

11. Which gland receives secretory innervation from the fibers of the glossopharyngeal nerve?

Submandibular salivary gland

Post-ganglionic parasympathetic fibers from the otic ganglion reach the parotid gland within the auriculotemporal nerve.
Sublingual gland

Post-ganglionic parasympathetic fibers from the otic ganglion reach the parotid gland within the auriculotemporal nerve.
Parotid salivary gland

Post-ganglionic parasympathetic fibers from the otic ganglion reach the parotid gland within the auriculotemporal nerve.
Lacrimal gland

Post-ganglionic parasympathetic fibers from the otic ganglion reach the parotid gland within the auriculotemporal nerve.
I find it difficult to answer

Post-ganglionic parasympathetic fibers from the otic ganglion reach the parotid gland within the auriculotemporal nerve.

12. Which branch of the IX pair of cranial nerves provides afferent innervation to the carotid sinus and glomus?

Pharyngeal branch

The sinus branch (ramus sinus carotici) descends to the bifurcation of the common carotid artery, innervating the carotid sinus and glomus.
Connecting branch with the vagus nerve

The sinus branch (ramus sinus carotici) descends to the bifurcation of the common carotid artery, innervating the carotid sinus and glomus.
Tonsillar branch

The sinus branch (ramus sinus carotici) descends to the bifurcation of the common carotid artery, innervating the carotid sinus and glomus.
Sinus branch (nerve of Hering)

The sinus branch (ramus sinus carotici) descends to the bifurcation of the common carotid artery, innervating the carotid sinus and glomus.
I find it difficult to answer

The sinus branch (ramus sinus carotici) descends to the bifurcation of the common carotid artery, innervating the carotid sinus and glomus.

13. Which part of the tongue does the glossopharyngeal nerve innervate (general and taste sensation)?

Anterior two-thirds

The lingual branches of the IX pair provide taste and general sensation to the mucous membrane of the posterior third of the tongue, including circumvallate papillae.
Posterior third

The lingual branches of the IX pair provide taste and general sensation to the mucous membrane of the posterior third of the tongue, including circumvallate papillae.
Root of the tongue and epiglottis

The lingual branches of the IX pair provide taste and general sensation to the mucous membrane of the posterior third of the tongue, including circumvallate papillae.
Only the tip of the tongue

The lingual branches of the IX pair provide taste and general sensation to the mucous membrane of the posterior third of the tongue, including circumvallate papillae.
I find it difficult to answer

The lingual branches of the IX pair provide taste and general sensation to the mucous membrane of the posterior third of the tongue, including circumvallate papillae.

14. Which nucleus is the common sensory (for taste and visceral sensation) for the VII, IX, and X pairs of cranial nerves?

Nucleus of the solitary tract

The nucleus of the solitary tract (nucleus tractus solitarii) receives afferent fibers of taste and visceral sensation.
Spinal nucleus of the trigeminal nerve

The nucleus of the solitary tract (nucleus tractus solitarii) receives afferent fibers of taste and visceral sensation.
Principal sensory nucleus of the trigeminal nerve

The nucleus of the solitary tract (nucleus tractus solitarii) receives afferent fibers of taste and visceral sensation.
Thoracic nucleus

The nucleus of the solitary tract (nucleus tractus solitarii) receives afferent fibers of taste and visceral sensation.
I find it difficult to answer

The nucleus of the solitary tract (nucleus tractus solitarii) receives afferent fibers of taste and visceral sensation.

15. Where are the bodies of pseudounipolar neurons located that provide sensory innervation within the IX pair?

In the trigeminal ganglion

The sensory neurons of the glossopharyngeal nerve are located in its superior and inferior ganglia (ganglion superius et inferius) in the area of the jugular foramen.
In the otic ganglion

The sensory neurons of the glossopharyngeal nerve are located in its superior and inferior ganglia (ganglion superius et inferius) in the area of the jugular foramen.
In the superior and inferior ganglia of the glossopharyngeal nerve

The sensory neurons of the glossopharyngeal nerve are located in its superior and inferior ganglia (ganglion superius et inferius) in the area of the jugular foramen.
In the pterygopalatine ganglion

The sensory neurons of the glossopharyngeal nerve are located in its superior and inferior ganglia (ganglion superius et inferius) in the area of the jugular foramen.
I find it difficult to answer

The sensory neurons of the glossopharyngeal nerve are located in its superior and inferior ganglia (ganglion superius et inferius) in the area of the jugular foramen.

16. Where is the inferior ganglion (ganglion inferius) of the glossopharyngeal nerve located?

In the pterygopalatine fossa

The inferior ganglion of the glossopharyngeal nerve lies in the petrous fossa (fossula petrosa) on the inferior surface of the pyramid of the temporal bone.
In the petrous fossa of the pyramid of the temporal bone

The inferior ganglion of the glossopharyngeal nerve lies in the petrous fossa (fossula petrosa) on the inferior surface of the pyramid of the temporal bone.
On the anterior arch of the atlas

The inferior ganglion of the glossopharyngeal nerve lies in the petrous fossa (fossula petrosa) on the inferior surface of the pyramid of the temporal bone.
In the tympanic cavity

The inferior ganglion of the glossopharyngeal nerve lies in the petrous fossa (fossula petrosa) on the inferior surface of the pyramid of the temporal bone.
I find it difficult to answer

The inferior ganglion of the glossopharyngeal nerve lies in the petrous fossa (fossula petrosa) on the inferior surface of the pyramid of the temporal bone.

17. With which nerves does the glossopharyngeal nerve form the pharyngeal plexus?

With the trigeminal and facial

The pharyngeal plexus is formed by the pharyngeal branches of the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves, as well as branches from the superior cervical sympathetic ganglion.
With the accessory and hypoglossal

The pharyngeal plexus is formed by the pharyngeal branches of the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves, as well as branches from the superior cervical sympathetic ganglion.
With the superior laryngeal nerve

The pharyngeal plexus is formed by the pharyngeal branches of the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves, as well as branches from the superior cervical sympathetic ganglion.
With the vagus nerve and sympathetic trunk

The pharyngeal plexus is formed by the pharyngeal branches of the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves, as well as branches from the superior cervical sympathetic ganglion.
I find it difficult to answer

The pharyngeal plexus is formed by the pharyngeal branches of the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves, as well as branches from the superior cervical sympathetic ganglion.

18. What structures do the tonsillar branches (rami tonsillares) of the glossopharyngeal nerve innervate?

Palatine tonsils and arches

The tonsillar branches originate from the ninth pair and innervate the mucous membrane of the palatine tonsils and palatine arches.
Pharyngeal tonsil

The tonsillar branches originate from the ninth pair and innervate the mucous membrane of the palatine tonsils and palatine arches.
Lingual tonsil

The tonsillar branches originate from the ninth pair and innervate the mucous membrane of the palatine tonsils and palatine arches.
Tubal tonsil

The tonsillar branches originate from the ninth pair and innervate the mucous membrane of the palatine tonsils and palatine arches.
I find it difficult to answer

The tonsillar branches originate from the ninth pair and innervate the mucous membrane of the palatine tonsils and palatine arches.

19. To which nerve do postganglionic parasympathetic fibers from the otic ganglion join to reach the parotid gland?

Inferior alveolar nerve

Fibers from the otic ganglion join the auriculotemporal nerve (a branch of the mandibular nerve of the fifth pair) to reach the parotid gland.
Buccal nerve

Fibers from the otic ganglion join the auriculotemporal nerve (a branch of the mandibular nerve of the fifth pair) to reach the parotid gland.
Auriculotemporal nerve

Fibers from the otic ganglion join the auriculotemporal nerve (a branch of the mandibular nerve of the fifth pair) to reach the parotid gland.
Lingual nerve

Fibers from the otic ganglion join the auriculotemporal nerve (a branch of the mandibular nerve of the fifth pair) to reach the parotid gland.
I find it difficult to answer

Fibers from the otic ganglion join the auriculotemporal nerve (a branch of the mandibular nerve of the fifth pair) to reach the parotid gland.

20. What type of nerve fibers is absent in the main trunk of the glossopharyngeal nerve?

Sensory (general and specific)

The glossopharyngeal nerve does not contain its own postganglionic sympathetic fibers; they join its branches along the course of the vessels (e.g., in the tympanic plexus).
Postganglionic sympathetic

The glossopharyngeal nerve does not contain its own postganglionic sympathetic fibers; they join its branches along the course of the vessels (e.g., in the tympanic plexus).
Parasympathetic preganglionic

The glossopharyngeal nerve does not contain its own postganglionic sympathetic fibers; they join its branches along the course of the vessels (e.g., in the tympanic plexus).
Motor somatic

The glossopharyngeal nerve does not contain its own postganglionic sympathetic fibers; they join its branches along the course of the vessels (e.g., in the tympanic plexus).
I find it difficult to answer

The glossopharyngeal nerve does not contain its own postganglionic sympathetic fibers; they join its branches along the course of the vessels (e.g., in the tympanic plexus).