The chorda tympani nerve, a branch of CN VII, carries special visceral afferent (SVA) fibers for taste from which region and travels with which other nerve in the infratemporal fossa?

• A Posterior one-third of tongue; travels with CN IX
• B Anterior two-thirds of tongue; travels with the inferior alveolar nerve
• C Anterior two-thirds of tongue; travels with the lingual nerve (CN V3) ✓
• D Soft palate; travels with the lesser palatine nerve

Explanation

The chorda tympani arises from CN VII in the facial canal, passes through the middle ear (crossing the tympanic membrane), exits via the petrotympanic fissure, and joins the lingual nerve (a branch of CN V3) in the infratemporal fossa. It carries taste from the anterior two-thirds of tongue (SVA) and preganglionic parasympathetic fibers to the submandibular ganglion for submandibular and sublingual gland secretion. The posterior one-third taste is carried by CN IX (glossopharyngeal). The inferior alveolar nerve carries sensory fibers to lower teeth.

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

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.