Which ganglion carries postganglionic parasympathetic fibers for secretomotor supply to the parotid gland, and through which cranial nerve does the preganglionic fiber travel to reach this ganglion?

• A Pterygopalatine ganglion; CN VII via greater petrosal nerve
• B Submandibular ganglion; CN VII via chorda tympani
• C Otic ganglion; CN IX via lesser petrosal nerve ✓
• D Ciliary ganglion; CN III

Explanation

Parasympathetic supply to the parotid gland: preganglionic fibers arise from the inferior salivatory nucleus and travel via CN IX (glossopharyngeal nerve) → tympanic branch (Jacobson's nerve) → lesser petrosal nerve → otic ganglion. Postganglionic fibers then travel via the auriculotemporal nerve (branch of CN V3) to the parotid. Auriculotemporal nerve entrapment after parotid surgery causes Frey's syndrome (gustatory sweating). The submandibular ganglion (chorda tympani pathway) supplies 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.