Parasympathetic innervation to the submandibular and sublingual glands is carried by which branch of CN VII?

Parasympathetic innervation to the submandibular and sublingual glands is carried by which branch of CN VII?

• A. Greater petrosal nerve
• B. Chorda tympani
• C. Both
• D. None

Answer: (B)

Parasympathetic innervation to the submandibular and sublingual glands travels with the chorda tympani, a branch of CN VII. PreG parasympathetic fibers originate in the superior salivatory nucleus and run via the chorda tympani to the submandibular ganglion, where they synapse. The postganglionic fibers then hitchhike on the lingual nerve to reach the submandibular and sublingual glands and stimulate secretion. The greater petrosal nerve, by contrast, carries fibers to the pterygopalatine ganglion for glands in the lacrimal region and nasal/palatal mucosa, not these salivary glands. Thus, the chorda tympani is responsible for the parasympathetic supply to the submandibular and sublingual glands.

Parasympathetic innervation to the submandibular and sublingual glands travels with the chorda tympani, a branch of CN VII. PreG parasympathetic fibers originate in the superior salivatory nucleus and run via the chorda tympani to the submandibular ganglion, where they synapse. The postganglionic fibers then hitchhike on the lingual nerve to reach the submandibular and sublingual glands and stimulate secretion. The greater petrosal nerve, by contrast, carries fibers to the pterygopalatine ganglion for glands in the lacrimal region and nasal/palatal mucosa, not these salivary glands. Thus, the chorda tympani is responsible for the parasympathetic supply to the submandibular and sublingual glands.