The ninth cranial nerve (known as the glossopharyngeal nerve) serves a combination of motor, sensory and parasympathetic function.  The stylopharyngeus muscle is supplied by it.  The parotid gland is supplied by it.  Taste from the posterior third of the tongue is also supplied by this nerve.  The nerve leaves the medulla portion of the brainstem, as 5 to 6 small rootlets.