NETTER - Neuroscience Flash Cards

Schematic of Pterygopalatine and
Submandibular Ganglia
1. Submandibular ganglion
2. Pterygopalatine ganglion
3. Maxillary nerve (CN V2)
4. Lingual nerve
5. Otic ganglion
6. Mandibular nerve (CN V3)
7. Ophthalmic nerve (CN V1)
8. Trigeminal ganglion
9. Greater petrosal nerve
10. Chorda tympani nerve
11. Facial nerve (CN VII)—nervus intermedius
12. Superior salivatory nucleus
13. Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)
14. Superior cervical sympathetic ganglion
15. Sympathetic trunk
Comment: The superior salivatory nucleus (via CN VII) innervates
the submandibular ganglion, which supplies the submandibular and
sublingual salivary glands. The inferior salivatory nucleus (via CN
IX) innervates the otic ganglion, which supplies the parotid salivary
gland. These parasympathetic nerve fibers stimulate secretion. The
sympathetic postganglionic noradrenergic fibers from the superior
cervical ganglion activate contraction of the myoepithelial cells of the
salivary ducts. Salivation is important as an initial phase of digestion,
preparing food for swallowing. Salivation also aids in speaking. Saliva
contains biological mediators and immunoglobulins that provide
barrier protection against potentially dangerous organisms that may
gain access through the oral cavity.
Regional Neuroscience See book 9.47