Preganglionic parasympathetic fibres destined for the otic ganglion travel via which nerve?

• A Chorda tympani (via facial nerve)
• B Greater petrosal nerve (via facial nerve)
• C Auriculotemporal nerve (via mandibular nerve)
• D Lesser petrosal nerve (via glossopharyngeal nerve) ✓

Explanation

Preganglionic fibres for the otic ganglion arise from the inferior salivatory nucleus (glossopharyngeal nerve), travel via the tympanic nerve and tympanic plexus, then the lesser petrosal nerve to synapse in the otic ganglion. The chorda tympani supplies the submandibular ganglion. The auriculotemporal nerve carries postganglionic fibres from the otic ganglion to the parotid. The greater petrosal nerve supplies the pterygopalatine ganglion. Ref: Gray's Anatomy, 42nd ed, p 757.

Reference: Gray's Anatomy, 42nd ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.