The greater petrosal nerve joins the deep petrosal nerve to form which nerve?

• A. Vidian nerve
• B. Facial nerve
• C. Otic nerve
• D. Great auricular nerve

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that two autonomic pathways fuse to form a single nerve. The greater petrosal nerve carries preganglionic parasympathetic fibers from the facial nerve, while the deep petrosal nerve carries postganglionic sympathetic fibers from the internal carotid plexus. When they join, they form the nerve of the pterygoid canal, also known as the Vidian nerve. This combined nerve then travels to the pterygopalatine region to relay autonomic fibers to target glands. The other options are distinct nerves: the facial nerve is the original source of the greater petrosal but is not formed by merging with deep petrosal; the otic nerve is a glossopharyngeal-derived parasympathetic route to the parotid; and the great auricular nerve is a cutaneous nerve from the cervical plexus.