Which ganglion is associated with CN IX (glossopharyngeal nerve), houses cell bodies of visceral afferents from the carotid body and sinus, and is located at the jugular foramen?

• A Inferior ganglion of CN IX (petrosal ganglion) ✓
• B Inferior (nodose) ganglion of CN X
• C Superior ganglion of CN IX (jugular ganglion)
• D Otic ganglion

Explanation

CN IX has two sensory ganglia at the jugular foramen: the superior (jugular) ganglion contains cell bodies for general somatic afferents (from the posterior auricle skin), while the inferior (petrosal) ganglion contains cell bodies for general visceral afferents (from the carotid sinus, carotid body, pharynx, and posterior tongue) and special visceral afferents (taste from posterior one-third of tongue). The otic ganglion is a parasympathetic relay ganglion for parotid secretion from CN IX's tympanic branch (Jacobson's nerve). The nodose ganglion belongs to CN X.

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

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.