The submandibular ganglion receives its preganglionic parasympathetic input from which cranial nerve nucleus, and via which nerve does it reach the ganglion?

• A Inferior salivatory nucleus; lesser petrosal nerve
• B Dorsal motor nucleus of vagus; via the glossopharyngeal nerve
• C Superior salivatory nucleus; chorda tympani joining the lingual nerve ✓
• D Superior salivatory nucleus; greater petrosal nerve

Explanation

The superior salivatory nucleus (in the pons, CN VII) sends preganglionic parasympathetic fibers via the facial nerve's chorda tympani branch, which joins the lingual nerve in the infratemporal fossa and carries these fibers to the submandibular ganglion. Postganglionic fibers then innervate the submandibular and sublingual glands. The inferior salivatory nucleus (CN IX) sends fibers via the lesser petrosal nerve to the otic ganglion for the parotid gland. The greater petrosal nerve carries fibers to the pterygopalatine ganglion for lacrimal and nasal glands.

Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.