Tongue: Associated structures/innervation

Question 1

What is the general sensation for the anterior 2/3 of the tongue?

Answer 1

Lingual Nerve- a branch of the mandibular division of the trigiminal nerve (CN V)

Question 2

What is the taste innervation of the anterior 2/3 of the tongue?

Answer 2

Chorda Tympani- a branch of the Facial Nerve (CN VII)

Question 3

What is the nerve innervation for the posterior 1/3 of the tongue?

Answer 3

Glossopharyngeal Nerve (CN IX) for both general sensation and taste

Question 4

Why are the vallate papillae innervated by the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) when they are on the anterior 2/3 or the tongue?

Answer 4

Because the fibers of the nerve cross within the sulcus terminalis, thus allowing for the glossopharyngeal to innervate the vaallate palillae, and allowing for the gag reflex to occur.

Question 5

What is the arterial blood supply to the tongue?

Answer 5

Lingual Artery (from the external carotid)

Question 6

What is the venous drainage from the tongue?

Answer 6

Lingual Vein (to the internal jugular)

Question 7

What is the direct lymphatic drainage of the tongue?

Answer 7

1) Submental nodes
2) Submandibular nodes
3) Deep cervical nodes

Question 8

Where will all of the lymph from the tongue eventually drain to?

Answer 8

Deep cervical lymph nodes