Which nerve carries preganglionic parasympathetic fibers to the otic ganglion?

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Multiple Choice

Which nerve carries preganglionic parasympathetic fibers to the otic ganglion?

Preganglionic parasympathetic fibers to the otic ganglion come from the glossopharyngeal nerve. They originate in the inferior salivatory nucleus in the brainstem, travel with the glossopharyngeal nerve, then branch into the tympanic nerve, form the lesser petrosal nerve, and reach the otic ganglion where they synapse. The postganglionic fibers then hitchhike with the auriculotemporal nerve to the parotid gland, stimulating saliva. The other nerves don’t carry preganglionic fibers to the otic ganglion: the facial nerve mainly supplies preganglionic parasympathetic fibers to the pterygopalatine and submandibular glands; the vagus nerve supplies parasympathetic fibers to thoracic and abdominal viscera; the hypoglossal nerve is primarily motor to the tongue.

Preganglionic parasympathetic fibers to the otic ganglion come from the glossopharyngeal nerve. They originate in the inferior salivatory nucleus in the brainstem, travel with the glossopharyngeal nerve, then branch into the tympanic nerve, form the lesser petrosal nerve, and reach the otic ganglion where they synapse. The postganglionic fibers then hitchhike with the auriculotemporal nerve to the parotid gland, stimulating saliva.

The other nerves don’t carry preganglionic fibers to the otic ganglion: the facial nerve mainly supplies preganglionic parasympathetic fibers to the pterygopalatine and submandibular glands; the vagus nerve supplies parasympathetic fibers to thoracic and abdominal viscera; the hypoglossal nerve is primarily motor to the tongue.

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