Ganglia of the head

Question 1

The otic ganglion is the smallest of the 4 parasympathetic ganglia in the head. What are the remaining ganglia?

Answer 1

The four parasympathetic ganglia of the head are:

• otic
• pterygopalatine
• ciliary
• submandibular

Question 2

The head is home to 4 parasympathetic ganglia, namely the otic, ciliary, submandibular and ptergyopalatine. Which cranial nerve does each ganglion stem from?

Answer 2

• otic ganglion stems from the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN X)
• ciliary ganglion stems from the occulomotor nerve (CN III)
• pterygoapalatine ganglion stems from the facial nerve (CN VII)
• submandibular ganglion stems from the facial nerve (CN VII)

Question 3

The medial pterygoid nerve is a branch of the otic ganglion; this nerve innervates the following muscles:

Answer 3

• medial pterygoid muscle
• tensor tympani muscle
• tensor veli palatini muscle (soft palate muscle)

Question 4

What is the function of the ciliary ganglion?

Answer 4

The ciliary ganglion provides innervation to:

• the sphincter pupillae muscle (to constrict pupils)
• ciliary muscles for accomodation of lens for near vision

Question 5

What is the function of the pterygopalatine ganglion?

Answer 5

The pterygopalatine ganglion provides innervation to:

• the lacrimal gland
• mucous glands of nasal cavity, maxillary sinus and palate

Question 6

What is the function of the otic ganglion?

Answer 6

The otic ganglion provides innervation to the parotid gland

Question 7

What is the function of the submandibular ganglion?

Answer 7

The submandibular ganglion provides innervation to:

• sublingual glands
• submandibular glands

Question 8

What is Frey’s syndrome (auriculotemporal syndrome)?

Answer 8

Frey’s syndrome is caused by damage to the parotid gland or auriculotemporal nerve, which in turn damages the postganglionic parasympathetic, sympathetic and sensory nerve fibres

• Very rarely, a herpes zoster infection can cause Frey’s syndrome

Question 9

What are the symptoms of Frey’s syndrome? How can Frey’s syndrome be tested?

Answer 9

Frey’s syndrome typically manifests itself as:

1) gustatory sweating
2) flushing

Iodine-starch test can be used to confirm Frey’s syndrome

Question 10

How does the chorda tympani nerve exit the skull?

Answer 10

The chorda tympani exits the skull through the stylomastoid foramen