Difficulty in Swallowing May Be a Sign of Damage to Which

Question

Difficulty in swallowing may be a sign of damage to which cranial nerve(s)?
A) vagus
B) facial
C) glossopharyngeal
D) hypoglossal
E) glossopharyngeal and vagus

Accepted Answer

The glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves both play a role in swallowing. The glossopharyngeal nerve provides sensation to the throat and tongue, while the vagus nerve helps control the muscles involved in swallowing. Damage to either of these nerves can cause difficulty in swallowing.