Preganglionic parasympathetic fibres destined for the parotid salivary gland travel in which nerve, and synapse in which ganglion?
- A Facial nerve, pterygopalatine ganglion
- B Glossopharyngeal nerve, otic ganglion ✓
- C Glossopharyngeal nerve, submandibular ganglion
- D Facial nerve, submandibular ganglion
Correct answer: B. Glossopharyngeal nerve, otic ganglion
Explanation
The inferior salivatory nucleus sends fibres via the glossopharyngeal nerve, which continue through the lesser petrosal nerve to synapse in the otic ganglion; postganglionic fibres then reach the parotid with the auriculotemporal nerve. The facial nerve supplies the submandibular and sublingual glands via the chorda tympani and submandibular ganglion, and the pterygopalatine ganglion serves the lacrimal gland, making those options incorrect pairings.
Reference: Gray's Anatomy for Students, 4th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.