Which cranial nerve is responsible for the sense of taste from the posterior 1/3 of the tongue?

The glossopharyngeal nerve is the cranial nerve responsible for the sense of taste from the posterior one-third of the tongue. This nerve, also known as cranial nerve IX, plays a crucial role in sensory functions, particularly in taste perception. It innervates the taste buds located in this specific area of the tongue and is essential for conveying gustatory stimuli to the brain.

In addition to taste, the glossopharyngeal nerve has other functions, including providing sensory information from the throat and contributing to the gag reflex. Understanding its role helps highlight the diverse functionalities of cranial nerves and their impact on sensory experiences like taste.

Other cranial nerves listed have distinct functions: the vagus nerve primarily oversees autonomic control of the heart, lungs, and digestive tract; the olfactory nerve is exclusively related to the sense of smell; and the facial nerve is primarily involved in taste from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue, as well as motor functions of facial expression. Each cranial nerve has specific sensory or motor roles, emphasizing the specialized nature of these nerves in the nervous system.