Parasympathetic Innervation To The Head And Neck

Question 1

What are the pre- and post-ganglionic fibers of the ciliary ganglion?

Answer 1

• Pre-: Travels with the motor root of the oculomotor nerve
• Post-: Travels via the short ciliary nerves

Question 2

What are the pre- and post-ganglionic fibers of the pterygopalatine ganglion?

Answer 2

• Pre-: Travels with the greater petrosal nerve (a branch of CN VII) and the nerve of the pterygoid canal
• Post-: Hitchhikes on branches of the maxillary nerve

Question 3

What are the pre- and post-ganglionic fibers of the submandibular ganglion?

Answer 3

• Pre-: Travels within the chorda tympani (a branch of the facial nerve)
• Post-: Fibres travel directly to target organs

Question 4

What are the pre- and post-ganglionic fibers of the otic ganglion?

Answer 4

• Pre-: Travels within the lesser petrosal nerve (a branch of CN IX)
• Post-: Hitchhikes on the auriculotemporal nerve