Surgical landmarks of the glossopharyngeal nerve

Damage to the glossopharyngeal nerve can occur as a result of various Head and Neck surgeries. Associated with this damage are assorted side effects, such as dysphagia, xerostomia, and loss of taste. This study serves to create probabilistic maps of the glossopharyngeal nerve using quantitative data, and to identify different landmarks in order to locate the nerve. Eleven cadaveric heads were bilaterally dissected to expose and measure the glossopharyngeal nerve. The mastoid process is a more reliable marker for the location of the glossopharyngeal nerve as it stretches through the lateral neck. Additionally, distance landmark measurements from the nerve leaving the jugular foramen to it entering the pharyngeal space are offered. Furthermore, statistical probability equations for nerve location have been created. Measurements and models created by this study will aid in pre-operative identification of glossopharyngeal nerve landmarks that will lead to an increase in quality of life in Head and Neck surgery patients.