The absence of the gag reflex is caused by paralysis of which nerve?

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Trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V)Facial nerve (cranial nerve VII)Glossopharyngeal nerve (cranial nerve IX)Hypoglossal nerve (cranial nerve XII)Vagus nerve (cranial nerve X)

Explanation

The gag reflex is primarily mediated by the glossopharyngeal nerve (cranial nerve IX). Paralysis of this nerve results in the loss of the gag reflex. The trigeminal (V), facial (VII), and hypoglossal (XII) nerves do not control this reflex.