The chorda tympani nerve carries taste from the anterior 2/3 of the tongue and preganglionic parasympathetic fibres to the submandibular ganglion. At which specific anatomical location does chorda tympani join the lingual nerve?

• A At the inferior border of the lateral pterygoid muscle, about 2 cm below the skull base ✓
• B In the infratemporal fossa at the level of the otic ganglion
• C At the posterior border of the mylohyoid muscle
• D Just lateral to the tensor veli palatini

Explanation

The chorda tympani exits the petrotympanic fissure onto the infratemporal fossa and joins the posterior aspect of the lingual nerve (branch of V3) approximately 2 cm below the skull base, just medial and inferior to the lateral pterygoid muscle. This anatomical relationship is surgically important during mandibular nerve blocks and parotid/infratemporal surgeries. Once joined, the taste and parasympathetic fibres travel with the lingual nerve to reach the tongue and submit submandibular ganglion respectively.

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

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.