(n)sensory nerve to the pharynx and back of the tongue; motor fibers innervate muscles that elevate the pharynx and larynx; includes parasympathetic fibers to the otic ganglion, Syn.ninth cranial nerve, nervus glossopharyngeus
a. [ Gr. glw^ssa the tongue + E. pharyngeal. ] (Anat.) Pertaining to both the tongue and the pharynx; -- applied especially to the ninth pair of cranial nerves, which are distributed to the pharynx and tongue. -- n. One of the glossopharyngeal nerves. [ 1913 Webster ]