Within the temporal bone, the facial nerve gives off several branches. Which is the FIRST branch of the facial nerve to arise during its intratemporal course?
- A Nerve to stapedius
- B Chorda tympani
- C Greater petrosal nerve ✓
- D Communicating branch to the auricular branch of vagus
Correct answer: C. Greater petrosal nerve
Explanation
The greater petrosal nerve arises at the geniculate ganglion, at the first genu (bend) of the facial nerve, making it the first branch in the labyrinthine segment region. It carries preganglionic parasympathetic fibres to the pterygopalatine ganglion. The nerve to stapedius and then the chorda tympani arise later from the descending (mastoid) segment, so options A and B mark later branches and are incorrect.
Reference: Snell's Clinical Neuroanatomy, 8th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.