The palatine tonsil lies in the tonsillar fossa between the palatoglossal arch and palatopharyngeal arch. Which nerve supplies sensory innervation to the tonsillar mucosa and is the target of local anesthesia during tonsillectomy?

• A Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) ✓
• B Vagus nerve (CN X)
• C Lesser palatine nerve (CN V2)
• D Lingual nerve (CN V3)

Explanation

The palatine tonsil receives sensory innervation primarily from the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) via the tonsillar branches. The lesser palatine nerve (CN V2) also contributes. Local anesthetic is injected near the glossopharyngeal nerve distribution during tonsillectomy. The lingual nerve supplies the anterior two-thirds of the tongue, not the tonsil.

Reference: Gray's Anatomy, 42nd ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.