Preganglionic fibers from the lesser petrosal nerve synapse in which ganglion?

Preganglionic fibers from the lesser petrosal nerve synapse in which ganglion?

• A. Submandibular ganglion
• B. Otic ganglion
• C. Pterygopalatine ganglion
• D. Ciliary ganglion

Answer: (B)

Parasympathetic commands to the parotid gland ride with the glossopharyngeal nerve as preganglionic fibers that travel via the lesser petrosal nerve to a nearby ganglion. In the otic ganglion, these preganglionic fibers synapse, and the postganglionic fibers then hitch a ride with the auriculotemporal nerve to reach the parotid gland and stimulate saliva secretion. The otic ganglion is located in the infratemporal fossa, just medial to the mandibular nerve, near the foramen ovale. Other ganglia receive parasympathetic input from different branches: the submandibular ganglion is linked to the facial nerve via chorda tympani for submandibular and sublingual glands, the pterygopalatine ganglion receives fibers from the greater petrosal nerve for lacrimal and nasal glands, and the ciliary ganglion handles pupillary and ciliary muscle control from the oculomotor nerve.

Parasympathetic commands to the parotid gland ride with the glossopharyngeal nerve as preganglionic fibers that travel via the lesser petrosal nerve to a nearby ganglion. In the otic ganglion, these preganglionic fibers synapse, and the postganglionic fibers then hitch a ride with the auriculotemporal nerve to reach the parotid gland and stimulate saliva secretion. The otic ganglion is located in the infratemporal fossa, just medial to the mandibular nerve, near the foramen ovale.

Other ganglia receive parasympathetic input from different branches: the submandibular ganglion is linked to the facial nerve via chorda tympani for submandibular and sublingual glands, the pterygopalatine ganglion receives fibers from the greater petrosal nerve for lacrimal and nasal glands, and the ciliary ganglion handles pupillary and ciliary muscle control from the oculomotor nerve.