The nerve of the pterygoid canal (Vidian nerve) traverses the foramen lacerum region to enter the pterygopalatine fossa. Which fibre types does it carry?

• A Taste fibres from the anterior two thirds of the tongue accompanied by postganglionic sympathetic fibres
• B Preganglionic parasympathetic fibres from both the greater and lesser petrosal nerves
• C Postganglionic parasympathetic fibres from the otic ganglion and preganglionic sympathetic fibres from T1
• D Preganglionic parasympathetic fibres from the greater petrosal nerve and postganglionic sympathetic fibres from the deep petrosal nerve ✓

Explanation

The Vidian nerve is formed by union of the greater petrosal nerve, carrying preganglionic parasympathetic fibres from the superior salivatory nucleus toward the pterygopalatine ganglion, and the deep petrosal nerve, carrying postganglionic sympathetic fibres already relayed in the superior cervical ganglion. It therefore contains mixed pre- and postganglionic autonomic fibres. Lesser petrosal fibres pass through foramen ovale to the otic ganglion, so they never enter the pterygoid canal.

Reference: Gray's Anatomy for Students, 4th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.