The chorda tympani nerve, a branch of the facial nerve, exits the petrotympanic fissure and joins the lingual nerve. Which functions does it carry?

• A General sensation from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue and motor to the buccinator muscle
• B Taste from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue and preganglionic parasympathetic secretomotor fibers to the submandibular and sublingual salivary glands ✓
• C Taste from the posterior one-third of the tongue and secretomotor to the parotid gland
• D General sensation from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue and secretomotor to the lacrimal gland

Explanation

The chorda tympani carries two types of fibers: (1) special visceral afferent (taste) from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue (via the lingual nerve), and (2) preganglionic parasympathetic (secretomotor/GVE) fibers to the submandibular ganglion, which then supplies the submandibular and sublingual salivary glands. Parotid gland is supplied by CN IX via the lesser petrosal nerve and otic ganglion. Lacrimal gland is supplied via the greater petrosal nerve and pterygopalatine ganglion (not chorda tympani).

Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.