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4. What nerve provides innervation to the parotid gland (consider source, ganglion, and terminal branch)?
4. What nerve provides innervation to the parotid gland (consider source, ganglion, and terminal branch)?
The parotid gland is innervated by preganglionic parasympathetic fibers originating in the glossopharyngeal n. (CN IX). These fibers synapse in the otic ganglion, which is associated in location with the deep portion of the mandibular n. (V3) trunk, just inferior to the foramen ovale. Postganglionic fibers are transmitted to the parotid gland via the auriculotemporal n. (of V3).
The auriculotemporal n. is a branch of the mandibular n. (V3). The auriculotemporal n. serves three main functions:
transmitting secretomotor postganglionic parasympathetic fibers to the parotid gland (from the otic ganglion; preganglionic fibers from glossopharyngeal n.),
afferently serving the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and
afferently serving the skin of the: tragus of ear, the external auditory meatus, and the area anterosuperior to the ear.
The cutaneous portion of the auriculotemporal n. may be found just posterior to, and accompanying, the superficial temporal a. and v. superiorly from the parotid gland.
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