The taste sensation from the posterior third of the tongue is provided by which cranial nerve?

The cranial nerve responsible for taste sensation from the posterior third of the tongue is the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX). This nerve plays a critical role in taste perception for the posterior region of the tongue, which is crucial for functions such as identifying flavors and aiding in the process of ingestion.

The glossopharyngeal nerve innervates the taste buds located in the foliate and circumvallate papillae at the back of the tongue, and it is also involved in general sensory innervation for that area. Its function is essential for the overall sensory experience of taste, particularly in distinguishing between different taste modalities.

The other cranial nerves listed do have important roles in taste and sensation but do not specifically provide taste sensation for the posterior third of the tongue. The facial nerve (CN VII) is involved in taste sensation for the anterior two-thirds of the tongue, while the vagus nerve (CN X) primarily supports taste sensation in the epiglottis and parts of the pharynx. The trigeminal nerve (CN V) is mainly responsible for sensation in the face and does not relay taste sensations. Therefore, the glossopharyngeal nerve is the accurate answer for taste sensation in that specific area of the