Innervation of the tongue
- The lingual branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve innervates the taste buds of the posterior 1/3 of the tongue.
- It provides general sensation to the same area.
- Neuron cell bodies for this branch are found in the inferior ganglion of the glossopharyngeal nerve.
- The axons of these neuron cell bodies form the lingual branch of the nerve.
- The lingual branch plays a crucial role in the sensory function of the tongue.

Taste sensation
- The lingual branch is responsible for innervating the taste buds of the posterior 1/3 of the tongue.
- It carries taste information from this area to the brain.
- Taste buds in this region are involved in detecting different flavors.
- The lingual branch helps in the perception and enjoyment of taste.
- Damage or dysfunction of this branch can lead to taste disturbances.

Sensory function
- In addition to taste sensation, the lingual branch provides general sensation to the posterior 1/3 of the tongue.
- It allows for the perception of touch, temperature, and pain in this area.
- Sensory information from the tongue is important for speech and swallowing.
- The lingual branch contributes to the overall sensory function of the tongue.
- Disorders affecting this branch can result in altered sensation in the tongue.

Neuroanatomy
- The lingual branch is one of the branches of the glossopharyngeal nerve.
- It is part of the cranial nerve system responsible for sensory and motor functions of the head and neck.
- The neuron cell bodies for this branch are located in the inferior ganglion.
- The axons of these neurons form the lingual branch.
- Understanding the neuroanatomy of this branch is essential for studying the innervation of the tongue.

Expansion and stub
- This article on the lingual branches of the glossopharyngeal nerve is a stub.
- It provides basic information but needs further expansion.
- Readers can contribute to expanding this article on Wikipedia.
- The article incorporates text from the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918).
- The lingual branches of the glossopharyngeal nerve are categorized under neuroanatomy stubs.