Head: sphenopalatine ganglion

Question 1

Parasympathetic Root of Sphenopalatine ganglion

Answer 1

Greater superficial Petrosal N
* Originates from facial N (geniculate ganglion) in petrous Bone
* Joins Deep petrosal in Nerve of pterygoid canal (Vidian N)
* Supplies Lacrimal gland, mucosal Glands of Nose, Larynx and Palate (soft)

Question 2

Sympathetic Root of Sphenopalatine ganglion

Answer 2

Deep petrosal N
* From Sympathetic plexus around Internal Carotid Artery
* Doesn’t relay in Sphenopalatine ganglion

Question 3

Greater superficial petrosal N and deep petrosal Nerve join together to form

Answer 3

Nerve of pterygoid canal (vidian N)

Question 4

Sensory Root of sphenopalatine ganglion

Answer 4

2 ganglionic branches from maxillary Nerve (without relay)
* Supply sensory to: Nasopharynx, orbit, nose and palate

Question 5

Enumerate branches of Spheno-palatine ganglion

Answer 5

1. Orbital Branches
2. Nasal (2 lateral nasal & 2 medial Nasal)
3. Palatine branches (Greater & lesser palatine Nerves)
4. Pharyngeal branches

Question 6

Course and supply of Orbital Branches of Sphenopalatine ganglion

Answer 6

• Through Inferior orbital fissure
• Supply Periosteum of the orbit

Question 7

Course and supply of Nasal branches of Sphenopalatine ganglion

Answer 7

They reach the nose through Sphenopalatine foramen & divide into lateral and Medial Branches
* Lateral Branches: supplies postero-superior part of lateral wall of nose
* Medial Branches: Posterior part of nasal septum
* 1 of the medial branches becomes Naso-palatine nerve, which supplies Nasal septum, floor of nose, it then passes through incisive canal and supplies anterior part of hard palate

Question 8

Course and supply of Palatine branches

Answer 8

Greater palatine N:
* descends through Greater palatine canal
* Reach hard palate, supplying its mucosa and glands

Lesser Palatine N:
* Descend through greater palatine canal
* Then descend through lesser palatine foramina to reach and supply soft palate, and palatine tonsil

Question 9

Course and supply of Pharyngeal Branches of Sphenopalatine ganglion

Answer 9

Run posteriorly to reach and supply Nasopharynx and Auditory tube