medulla and cranial nerves

The medulla and cranial nerves

Your cranial nerves (which come in pairs and use Roman numerals to set them apart) that pass through your medulla include the following:

Cranial Nerve (CN) IX: Your ninth cranial nerve handles many of the functions of your mouth. These include activating the glands that make saliva (spit) and your ability to taste and feel things inside of your mouth. It also controls your gag reflex, which keeps you from accidentally choking on objects.

CN X: Your 10th cranial nerve, known as the vagus nerve, is one of the most important nerves in your body. It connects to all the major organs from your neck to the top part of your colon, transmitting signals for your autonomic nervous system. These are signals you don’t think about, and they manage your heart rate, intestinal movements and more. This nerve also carries signals for muscles of your larynx (voice box) and the muscles you use to swallow.

CN XI: Your 11th cranial nerve controls muscles on your neck and upper back. These muscles help you turn your head or shrug your shoulders.

CN XII: Your 12th cranial nerve controls the muscles that you use to stick out your tongue. That makes this nerve vital for your ability to speak and swallow.