Question

which cranial nerve is generally thought of as a mixed nerve?
glossopharyngeal nerve (ix)
vestibulocochlear nerve (viii)
accessory nerve (xi)
hypoglossal nerve (xii)

Explanation:

• Glossopharyngeal nerve (IX): It has both sensory (e.g., taste from the posterior one - third of the tongue, general sensation from the pharynx) and motor (innervates the stylopharyngeus muscle) components, so it is a mixed nerve.
• Vestibulocochlear nerve (VIII): It is mainly a sensory nerve, responsible for hearing (cochlear part) and balance (vestibular part).
• Accessory nerve (XI): It is a motor nerve, innervating the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles.
• Hypoglossal nerve (XII): It is a motor nerve, innervating the muscles of the tongue.

Answer:

Glossopharyngeal nerve (IX)