Within the temporal bone, the intracanalicular branches of the facial nerve are given off in a characteristic sequence. What is the correct order of origin of these branches?

• A Nerve to stapedius, greater petrosal nerve, chorda tympani
• B Greater petrosal nerve, chorda tympani, nerve to stapedius
• C Chorda tympani, greater petrosal nerve, nerve to stapedius
• D Greater petrosal nerve, nerve to stapedius, chorda tympani ✓

Explanation

The greater petrosal nerve arises first at the geniculate ganglion and carries secretomotor fibres to the lacrimal gland. The nerve to stapedius leaves the descending (mastoid) segment next, followed by the chorda tympani just above the stylomastoid foramen, carrying taste from the anterior two thirds of the tongue and secretomotor fibres to the submandibular and sublingual glands. Any sequence placing the stapedius branch or chorda tympani before the greater petrosal nerve contradicts this fixed anatomical order.

Reference: Dhingra's Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 8th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.