The pharyngeal muscles of swallowing are largely innervated by the Blank______ nerve Multiple choice question.facialvagusglossopharyngealaccessory

The correct answer is vagus nerve.

Explanation:

1. The pharyngeal muscles, which play a crucial role in the process of swallowing, are primarily controlled by the vagus nerve (Cranial Nerve X).
2. While the glossopharyngeal nerve (Cranial Nerve IX) provides some sensory innervation and contributes to swallowing, the motor innervation to the majority of the pharyngeal muscles comes from the vagus nerve.
3. The facial nerve (Cranial Nerve VII) primarily innervates the muscles of facial expression and does not play a significant role in innervating pharyngeal muscles related to swallowing.
4. The accessory nerve (Cranial Nerve XI) mainly innervates the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles and is not involved in pharyngeal muscle innervation.

Thus, the role of the vagus nerve is essential in the coordination of the swallowing process.