The chorda tympani nerve, a branch of CN VII, carries which functional components?

• A Taste from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue and secretomotor to the parotid gland
• B Taste from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue and secretomotor to the submandibular/sublingual glands ✓
• C Taste from the posterior one-third of the tongue and secretomotor to the submandibular/sublingual glands
• D General somatic sensation from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue only

Explanation

Chorda tympani (CN VII branch) carries: (1) special visceral afferent — taste from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue, and (2) general visceral efferent (parasympathetic) — preganglionic secretomotor fibres to the submandibular ganglion, from which postganglionic fibres supply the submandibular and sublingual salivary glands. Parotid gland secretomotor supply is via the lesser petrosal nerve (CN IX → auriculotemporal nerve → otic ganglion). General somatic sensation of the anterior tongue is via the lingual nerve (CN V3).

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

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.