Which cranial nerve provides sensory innervation to the posterior third of the tongue?

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

Explanation

The glossopharyngeal nerve (cranial nerve IX) is responsible for carrying sensory information from the posterior third of the tongue. Other nerves listed serve different functions: the hypoglossal nerve (XII) controls tongue movements, the vagus nerve (X) innervates structures in the throat and voice box, the facial nerve (VII) manages taste sensation in the anterior two-thirds of the tongue, and the trigeminal nerve (V) provides general sensation to the face.