Pharyngeal Nerve - Podcast Version 0:00 / 0:00 1x 0.25x 0.5x 0.75x 1x 1.25x 1.5x 1.75x 2x The pharyngeal nerve is a nerve of the head and neck. It is a branch of the maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve. It supplies sensory and parasympathetic innervation to the mucosa of the superior nasopharynx. Pro Feature - 3D Model You've Discovered a Pro Feature Access our 3D Model Library Explore, cut, dissect, annotate and manipulate our 3D models to visualise anatomy in a dynamic, interactive way. Learn More Course The pharyngeal nerve arises from the maxillary nerve within the pterygopalatine fossa. Within the fossa, it receives parasympathetic fibres from the pterygopalatine ganglion (these reach the ganglion via the greater petrosal nerve). The pharyngeal nerve leaves the pterygopalatine fossa posteriorly through the palatovaginal canal. It is accompanied by the pharyngeal branch of the maxillary artery. It emerges onto the superior aspect of the nasal cavity, posterior to the auditory tube opening. Here, it supplies sensation to the mucosa of the superior nasopharynx and parasympathetic innervation to the mucosal glands. By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2026) Fig 1The pharyngeal nerve arises as a branch of the maxillary nerve within the pterygopalatine fossa. Sensory Function The pharyngeal nerve supplies cutaneous innervation to the mucosa of the superior nasopharynx. By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2026) Fig 1The mucosa of the nasopharynx receives sensory and parasympathetic innervation from the pharyngeal nerve. Parasympathetic Function The pharyngeal nerve supplies parasympathetic (secretomotor) innervation to mucosal glands of the superior nasopharynx. Frequent questions What is the pharyngeal nerve? The pharyngeal nerve is a branch of the maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve that provides sensory and parasympathetic innervation to the mucosa of the superior nasopharynx. It plays a crucial role in sensory perception and glandular secretion in this area. What is the course of the pharyngeal nerve? The pharyngeal nerve originates from the maxillary nerve in the pterygopalatine fossa, where it receives parasympathetic fibres from the pterygopalatine ganglion. It exits the fossa through the palatovaginal canal and supplies the superior nasopharynx. What are the sensory functions of the pharyngeal nerve? The pharyngeal nerve provides cutaneous sensory innervation to the mucosa of the superior nasopharynx, allowing for the perception of sensations in this region. This function is essential for the normal sensory experience of the nasopharyngeal area. How does the pharyngeal nerve contribute to glandular function? The pharyngeal nerve supplies parasympathetic innervation to the mucosal glands of the superior nasopharynx, functioning as a secretomotor nerve. This innervation stimulates glandular secretion, which is important for maintaining mucosal moisture and health. What is the clinical relevance of the pharyngeal nerve? Understanding the pharyngeal nerve's anatomy and function is important in clinical practice, particularly for conditions affecting the nasopharynx or during surgical procedures in the head and neck region. Damage to this nerve can lead to sensory deficits and impaired glandular function in the nasopharynx. Rate This Article