Question

Acute tonsillitis effects which nerve:

• A. Glossopharyngeal Nerve
• B. Facial Nerve
• C. Trigeminal nerve
• D. Vagus Nerve

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Acute tonsillitis primarily affects the glossopharyngeal nerve. The reason for this is anatomical and functional. The glossopharyngeal nerve, known as cranial nerve IX, plays a significant role in the sensory innervation of the pharynx and tonsils. It provides sensation to the tonsillar region, and inflammation of the tonsils, such as in acute tonsillitis, can irritate or affect this nerve, causing referred pain.

Here are some key points regarding the involvement of the glossopharyngeal nerve in tonsillitis:

1. Sensory Innervation: The glossopharyngeal nerve supplies the posterior part of the tongue, tonsils, and pharynx, which are areas affected during tonsillitis.
2. Referred Pain: Due to the nerve's sensory pathway, pain from inflamed tonsils is often referred to the ear (a phenomenon known as referred otalgia), as the glossopharyngeal nerve also has connections with the ear.
3. Clinical Symptoms: Patients with acute tonsillitis often experience throat pain and discomfort, which are sensed through the glossopharyngeal nerve.
4. Neural Pathways: Inflammation and infection in the tonsils can lead to irritation of nerve endings supplied by this nerve.