Submandibular Ganglion — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

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ModerateAnatomy (Head & Neck)Submandibular GanglionMFDS Part 1

Preganglionic parasympathetic secretomotor fibres arising from the superior salivatory nucleus pass in the facial nerve and chorda tympani, then travel with the lingual nerve. In which ganglion do they synapse before supplying the salivary glands in the floor of the mouth?

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Correct answer: D — Submandibular ganglion

The correct answer is D, the submandibular ganglion. Preganglionic parasympathetic fibres originate in the superior salivatory nucleus, travel in the facial nerve and chorda tympani, and join the lingual nerve. They synapse in the submandibular ganglion; postganglionic fibres then supply the submandibular and sublingual glands. The otic ganglion relays secretomotor fibres to the parotid gland. The pterygopalatine ganglion supplies the lacrimal gland and nasal and palatal glands, while the ciliary ganglion supplies intraocular muscles. The geniculate ganglion is a sensory ganglion of the facial nerve and is not the parasympathetic relay for salivary secretion.

Reference: Faculty of Dental Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons of England. Parameters of Care for Patients Undergoing Mandibular Third Molar Surgery, definition of the lingual nerve, 2021. https://www.rcseng.ac.uk/-/media/Files/RCS/FDS/Guidelines/3rd-molar-guidelines--April-2021-v4.pdf