Which branches of the facial nerve contain parasympathetic innervation?

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

Which branches of the facial nerve contain parasympathetic innervation?

Explanation:
Parasympathetic innervation travels in two branches of the facial nerve: the greater petrosal nerve and the chorda tympani. The greater petrosal nerve carries preganglionic parasympathetic fibers that synapse in the pterygopalatine ganglion, with postganglionic fibers then reaching lacrimal, nasal, and palatine glands. The chorda tympani carries preganglionic parasympathetic fibers that join the lingual nerve to reach the submandibular ganglion, where they synapse and then send postganglionic fibers to the submandibular and sublingual glands. Because both branches contain parasympathetic fibers, the best choice is that both contribute parasympathetic innervation.

Parasympathetic innervation travels in two branches of the facial nerve: the greater petrosal nerve and the chorda tympani. The greater petrosal nerve carries preganglionic parasympathetic fibers that synapse in the pterygopalatine ganglion, with postganglionic fibers then reaching lacrimal, nasal, and palatine glands. The chorda tympani carries preganglionic parasympathetic fibers that join the lingual nerve to reach the submandibular ganglion, where they synapse and then send postganglionic fibers to the submandibular and sublingual glands. Because both branches contain parasympathetic fibers, the best choice is that both contribute parasympathetic innervation.

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