Which ganglion is involved in parasympathetic innervation of the parotid gland via glossopharyngeal nerve?

Prepare for the Individual Readiness Assurance Test (iRAT) 4 in Head and Neck. Study with multiple-choice questions, comprehensive explanations, and detailed flashcards. Maximize your chances of success with thorough preparation and insightful study resources.

The parotid gland receives parasympathetic input through the otic ganglion. Preganglionic fibers run with the glossopharyngeal nerve, originate in the inferior salivatory nucleus, and synapse in the otic ganglion after traveling via the tympanic nerve and lesser petrosal nerve. The postganglionic fibers then hitchhike with the auriculotemporal branch of the mandibular nerve (V3) to reach the parotid gland and stimulate salivary secretion.

Other ganglia are associated with different targets: the pterygopalatine ganglion is linked to the lacrimal and nasal glands via branches of the facial nerve; the submandibular ganglion supplies the submandibular and sublingual glands through the chorda tympani route; and the ciliary ganglion controls the eye via the oculomotor nerve.