Cranial nerves IX, X, XI, XII

Question 1

Name CN IX, X, XI, XII
What are the functions common to IX, X
What are the functions common to XI, XII

Answer 1

MOTOR, SENSORY, SPECIAL SENSORY, PNS
IX, glossopharyngeal
X, vagus

MOTOR ONLY
XI, spinal accessory
XII, hypoglossal

Question 2

Where are these 4 nerves found in the brainstem

Answer 2

IX, X, roots of medulla

XI, XII multiple rootlets between olives and pyramids

Question 3

Name the 4 glossopharyngeal nuclei, their locations and their functions

Answer 3

Spinal nucleus of trigeminal

• sensory
• level of medulla oblongata and spinal cord and lateral

Nucleus solitarius

• special sensory
• medial in medulla oblongata

Nucleus ambiguus

• motor
• lateral in medulla oblongata

Inferior salivary nucleus

• PNS
• under superior salivary nucleus in pons

Question 4

Describe the glossopharyngeal sensory pathway

Answer 4

Pain, temp, sensory innervation from

• inner ear
• upper pharynx
• post 1/3 of tongue

Glossopharyngeal ganglion => spinal nucleus of trigeminal

Question 5

Describe the glossopharyngeal special sensory pathway

Answer 5

Taste from post 1/3 of tongue
BP, pO2 and pCO2

Ant of nucleus solitarius

Question 6

Describe the glossopharyngeal motor pathway

Answer 6

Nucleus ambiguus

Stylopharyngeus muscle innervation
-larynx, pharynx (swallowing and gag reflex)

Question 7

Describe the glossopharyngeal parasympathetic pathway

Answer 7

Inferior salivary nucleus => otic ganglion

Parotid gland releases serous secretions

Question 8

What exit foramen is associated with the glossopharyngeal nerve

Answer 8

Jugular foramen with X and XI

Question 9

What exit foramen is associated with the vagus nerve

Answer 9

Jugular foramen with IX and XI

Question 10

What 4 nuclei are associated with the vagus nerve, their locations and their functions

Answer 10

Spinal nucleus of trigeminal

• Sensory
• lateral in medulla oblongata and spinal cord

Nucleus solitarius

• Special sensory
• medial in medulla oblongata

Dorsal vagal nucleus

• PNS
• medial in medulla oblongata

Nucleus ambiguus

• Motor
• lateral in medulla oblongata

Question 11

Describe the sensory pathway of the vagus nerve

Answer 11

Sensory for

• pharynx
• larynx
• oesophagus
• ear

Vagal ganglia => spinal nucleus of trigeminal

Question 12

Describe the special sensory pathway of the vagus nerve

Answer 12

Chemo, mechanoreceptors from viscera
Taste

Nucleus solitarius

Question 13

Describe the parasympathetic pathway of the vagus nerve

Answer 13

Dorsal motor nucleus => GI PNS

Nucleus ambiguus => heart

Question 14

Describe the motor pathway of the vagus nerve

Answer 14

Nucleus ambiguus

Muscles of

• pharynx
• larynx
• upper oesophagus

Question 15

What nuclei is associated with the accessory nerve

What are the 2 roots of the accessory nerve

Answer 15

Nucleus ambiguus (motor) at the level of the medulla oblongata
-Cranial root starts here

-Spinal root in C1-6

Question 16

Describe the pathway of the accessory nerves

Answer 16

Spinal root passes through foramen magnum and joints cranial root => jugular foramen

innervate sternocleidomastoid and trapezius

Question 17

What nuclei are associated with the hypoglossal nerve and where is it found

Answer 17

Hypoglossal nucleus (motor)
-medial in medulla oblongata

Question 18

Describe the pathway of the hypoglossal nerve

Answer 18

Hypoglossal nucleus

Hypoglossal nerve => hypoglossal foramen

Intrinsic and extrinsic tongue muscles
Allows us to speak

Question 19

What exit foramen are associated with the hypoglossal nerve

Answer 19

Hypoglossal foramen next to foramen magnus