Preganglionic parasympathetic fibres destined for the parotid gland travel via which route from the brain to their ganglion?
- A Chorda tympani → lingual nerve → submandibular ganglion
- B Lesser petrosal nerve → otic ganglion → auriculotemporal nerve ✓
- C Greater petrosal nerve → pterygopalatine ganglion
- D Deep petrosal nerve → vidian nerve → pterygopalatine ganglion
Correct answer: B. Lesser petrosal nerve → otic ganglion → auriculotemporal nerve
Explanation
The parotid gland receives parasympathetic secretomotor supply via CN IX (glossopharyngeal) → tympanic branch (Jacobson's nerve) → tympanic plexus → lesser petrosal nerve → otic ganglion (synapse) → auriculotemporal nerve → parotid gland. The chorda tympani and submandibular ganglion supply the sublingual and submandibular glands (via CN VII). The greater petrosal nerve and pterygopalatine ganglion supply lacrimal and nasal/palatine glands.
Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.