Autonomics of head & neck

Question 1

Head & Neck PNS schematic

Answer 1

CN nuclei (Brainstem)

• Edinger-Westphal
• S. Salivatory
• I. Salivatory

Preganglionic axons in:

• CN III
• CN VII
• CN IX

Ganglia (CN V branches)

• Ciliary
• Pterygopalatine
• Submandibular
• Otic

Targets

• intrinsic eye mm
• lacrimal glands
• salivary glands
• mucous membranes

Question 2

Head & Neck Sympathetics

Answer 2

• Preganglionic axons ascend in sympathetic trunk (T1-2)
• Postganglionic axons in:
  
  • carotid n.
  • carotid plexus
  • carotid br.
  • Deep Petrosal n.
• Target tissues: smooth mm in walls of blood vessels, glands, dilator pupillae
• N. of Pterygoid canal -> Pterygopalatine ganglion