Question
Parotid gland is supplied by which nerve:
| A. |
Facial Nerve
|
| B. |
Glossopharyngeal
|
| C. |
Vagus Nerve
|
| D. |
Hypoglossal Nerve
|
Show Answer
|
Correct Answer » B
Explanation
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|
Anatomical Role
– The parotid gland is the largest salivary gland located near the ear.
– It receives parasympathetic secretomotor innervation primarily from the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) via the otic ganglion.
– Sympathetic and sensory innervation comes via other pathways (e.g., auriculotemporal nerve).
Clinical Reasoning for the Correct Answer
– Parasympathetic fibers to the parotid gland originate from the inferior salivatory nucleus of CN IX.
– These fibers travel in the tympanic nerve, then form the lesser petrosal nerve to the otic ganglion.
– Postganglionic fibers hitchhike on the auriculotemporal nerve (branch of V3, mandibular nerve) to reach the parotid gland, stimulating salivary secretion.
