Which ganglion provides parasympathetic innervation to the parotid gland, and the preganglionic fibers reach it via which cranial nerve branch?

• A Submandibular ganglion; preganglionic fibers via facial nerve (CN VII) through chorda tympani
• B Otic ganglion; preganglionic fibers via glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) through tympanic plexus and lesser petrosal nerve ✓
• C Pterygopalatine ganglion; preganglionic fibers via facial nerve (CN VII) through greater petrosal nerve
• D Ciliary ganglion; preganglionic fibers via oculomotor nerve (CN III)

Explanation

Parasympathetic supply to the parotid gland runs from the inferior salivatory nucleus (CN IX) → tympanic nerve → tympanic plexus in the middle ear → lesser petrosal nerve → otic ganglion → auriculotemporal nerve (CN V3) → parotid gland. The submandibular ganglion receives preganglionic fibers from the chorda tympani (CN VII) to supply submandibular and sublingual glands. The pterygopalatine ganglion (via greater petrosal nerve, CN VII) supplies the lacrimal gland and nasal mucous glands. The ciliary ganglion receives CN III fibers for the sphincter pupillae and ciliary muscle.

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

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.