The nervus intermedius (nerve of Wrisberg), which joins the facial nerve trunk, carries which combination of fiber types?

• A GSA proprioceptive fibers from muscles of facial expression only
• B GVE parasympathetic preganglionic fibers + SVA taste afferents from anterior two-thirds tongue + GSA from concha of auricle ✓
• C SVE motor fibers to muscles of facial expression and posterior belly of digastric
• D GVA visceral afferents from heart and esophagus via geniculate ganglion

Explanation

The nervus intermedius carries three functional components: GVE (general visceral efferent) preganglionic parasympathetic fibers to the pterygopalatine and submandibular ganglia; SVA (special visceral afferent) taste fibers from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue traveling via the chorda tympani to the geniculate ganglion; and GSA fibers carrying sensation from the skin of the concha of the auricle and posterior ear canal. The SVE motor fibers to facial muscles travel in the main motor root of CN VII, not the nervus intermedius.

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

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.