CN VII fibers that innervate the muscles of facial expression travel through which gland (does not synapse)?

Prepare for the NBEO Ocular Anatomy Posterior Segment and Cranial Nerves Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

CN VII fibers that innervate the muscles of facial expression travel through which gland (does not synapse)?

Explanation:
Fibers that control facial expression are somatic motor fibers from CN VII. After CN VII exits the skull, it enters the parotid gland, where it branches into the temporal, zygomatic, buccal, marginal mandibular, and cervical groups that supply the facial muscles. These motor fibers pass through the parotid gland without synapsing there; the synapses for CN VII-related parasympathetic outflow occur elsewhere (e.g., to glands) and not on these motor branches. So the gland through which these muscles’ innervation travels, without synapsing, is the parotid gland.

Fibers that control facial expression are somatic motor fibers from CN VII. After CN VII exits the skull, it enters the parotid gland, where it branches into the temporal, zygomatic, buccal, marginal mandibular, and cervical groups that supply the facial muscles. These motor fibers pass through the parotid gland without synapsing there; the synapses for CN VII-related parasympathetic outflow occur elsewhere (e.g., to glands) and not on these motor branches. So the gland through which these muscles’ innervation travels, without synapsing, is the parotid gland.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy