Which nerve provides parasympathetic innervation to the parotid gland?

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Multiple Choice

Which nerve provides parasympathetic innervation to the parotid gland?

Parasympathetic innervation to the parotid gland is carried by the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX). The preganglionic fibers originate in the inferior salivatory nucleus and travel with the tympanic nerve, forming the lesser petrosal nerve to synapse in the otic ganglion. From there, the postganglionic fibers hitchhike on the auriculotemporal nerve (a branch of V3) to reach the parotid gland and stimulate saliva secretion. Other nerves listed don’t supply the parotid via parasympathetic pathways: CN VII fibers go to other glands (like lacrimal and submandibular/sublingual via different routes), CN X handles thoracoabdominal viscera, and CN XI is motor.

Parasympathetic innervation to the parotid gland is carried by the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX). The preganglionic fibers originate in the inferior salivatory nucleus and travel with the tympanic nerve, forming the lesser petrosal nerve to synapse in the otic ganglion. From there, the postganglionic fibers hitchhike on the auriculotemporal nerve (a branch of V3) to reach the parotid gland and stimulate saliva secretion. Other nerves listed don’t supply the parotid via parasympathetic pathways: CN VII fibers go to other glands (like lacrimal and submandibular/sublingual via different routes), CN X handles thoracoabdominal viscera, and CN XI is motor.

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