Question
Which ganglion is located in the area marked in the provided anatomical image?
| A. |
Otic ganglia |
| B. |
Ciliary ganglia |
| C. |
Pterygopalatine ganglia |
| D. |
Submandibular ganglia |
|
Correct Answer » C Explanation |
 |
The image shows a marked area near the pterygopalatine fossa, situated posterior and superior to the maxilla.
– It lies medial to the infraorbital fissure, adjacent to the sphenopalatine foramen.
Clinical Reasoning for the Correct Answer
– The pterygopalatine ganglion is found within the pterygopalatine fossa.
– Its position near the maxillary nerve and the exit site for branches to the nasal cavity is characteristic.
– No other major parasympathetic ganglion is found in the pterygopalatine fossa.
Why Option A (Otic ganglion) is Incorrect:
– Otic ganglion is located just below the foramen ovale; closely associated with the mandibular nerve (V3).
– Located medial to the mandibular nerve, not in pterygopalatine fossa but in the infratemporal fossa.
– Associated with the parotid gland’s parasympathetic innervation.
Why Option B (Ciliary ganglion) is Incorrect:
– Ciliary ganglion is in the posterior orbit, lateral to the optic nerve.
– Involved in parasympathetic supply to the sphincter pupillae and ciliary muscles.
– Not in or adjacent to the pterygopalatine fossa.
Why Option D (Submandibular ganglion) is Incorrect:
– Submandibular ganglion hangs from the lingual nerve by the submandibular gland, below the mandible floor.
– Innervates submandibular and sublingual salivary glands.
– Its anatomical location is far from the pterygopalatine fossa.
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