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Glite Dictionary
glossopharyngeal

glossopharyngeal

9.9
Relating to the tongue and throat, especially a nerve for taste and swallowing
  • adjective
  • /ˌɡlɑːsəʊfɛrɪnˈdʒiːəl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : glosofaríngeo
  • The glossopharyngeal nerve is crucial for the sensation of taste on the back of the tongue.

Examples

  • The aim of this report is not to describe a new clinical condition, but to show a rare, exemplary case of glossopharyngeal neuralgia in which a step-by-step diagnostic workup allowed us to make a definitive diagnosis.

    Academic text (2010)

  • Nelson speculated that this was perhaps attributable to the lack of disruption of the mucosa, capsule, and the glossopharyngeal and vagal nerve fibers in these tissues.

    Academic text (2004)

  • Patients suffering from glossopharyngeal pain often experience discomfort while swallowing.

  • The doctor explained the role of the glossopharyngeal nerve in regulating gag reflex.

Compounds

glossopharyngeal nerve
  • Specialized
8.1

A nerve sending feeling from the throat and back of the tongue and helping control swallowing and the voice box

Surface Forms

glossopharyngeal positive

Morphology

glossopharyngeal = pharyngeal (opaque) = glosso + pharyng + eal

Both 'glosso-' and 'pharyngeal' are technical medical combining forms; their meanings are not readily inferable to an average B1 learner.

Etymology

Glossopharyngeal comes from two Greek parts: glosso- meaning 'tongue' and pharynx meaning 'throat'. So glossopharyngeal describes something that involves both the tongue and the throat, which is why the glossopharyngeal nerve helps with taste and swallowing.