Which of the following is the correct parasympathetic pathway for lacrimation?

• A Lacrimatory nucleus → greater petrosal nerve → pterygopalatine ganglion → zygomatic and lacrimal nerves → lacrimal gland ✓
• B Superior salivatory nucleus → chorda tympani → lingual nerve → submandibular ganglion → lacrimal gland
• C Edinger-Westphal nucleus → greater petrosal nerve → ciliary ganglion → lacrimal gland
• D Superior salivatory nucleus → deep petrosal nerve → pterygopalatine ganglion → lacrimal gland

Explanation

Parasympathetic fibers for lacrimation originate in the lacrimatory (superior salivatory) nucleus, travel via CN VII, leave as the greater petrosal nerve, join the deep petrosal nerve to form the nerve of pterygoid canal (Vidian nerve), synapse in the pterygopalatine ganglion, then reach the lacrimal gland via zygomatic nerve (V2) communicating with the lacrimal nerve (V1). The chorda tympani instead supplies the submandibular and sublingual glands.

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

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.