Parasympathetic Path to Parotid & Zygomatic Glands

Origin:
   parasympathetic nucleus of the IX nerve

Preganglionic Pathway:
   glossopharyngeal nerve,
   tympanic n. (travels through the middle ear),
   minor petrosal nerve

Ganglion:
   otic ganglion

Postganglionic Pathway:
   branches to parotid & zygomatic salivary glands
   (via auriculotemporal n. to the parotid) &
   (buccal n. to the zygomatic salivary gland)

Target Organs:
      parotid salivary gland &
      zygomatic salivary gland


pre-ganglionic path post-ganglionic path



Textbook Images
(click to view enlarged)

Left. Preganglionic parasympathetic fibers leave the glossopharyngeal nerve and run through the middle ear to synapse in the otic ganglion.

Right. The otic ganglion is located near the ear. Preganglionic nerves traverse the middle ear to reach the ganglion. Postganglionic branches join mandibular nerve branches.




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