Anatomy & Histology · single question
Same patient reports difficulty swallowing. Which cranial nerve is NOT involved in swallowing?
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Correct answer: E. XI
- A. CN VII (facial) contributes to the oral phase (lip seal, taste) — involved.
- B. CN IX (glossopharyngeal) carries pharyngeal sensation and triggers the swallow reflex — involved.
- C. CN XII (hypoglossal) moves the tongue to propel the bolus — involved.
- D. CN X (vagus) drives pharyngeal/laryngeal muscles in the pharyngeal and esophageal phases — involved.
- E. Correct. CN XI (accessory) innervates the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius (head/shoulder movement) and is NOT part of the swallowing pathway.
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