Chorda tympani n

The chorda tympani is a branch of the CN VII that carries special sensory fibers (taste) from the anterior 2/3 of the tongue, and pre-ganglionic parasympathetic fibers that synapse in the submandibular ganglion.  The chorda tynpani runs along with the lingual n. (a branch of CN V3), with the two joining within the infratemporal fossa.  Post-gangionic parasympathetic fibers from the submandibular ganglion go on to innervate the submandibular and sublingual salivary glands.