Expansion
Ciliary sees, pterygopalatine cries, otic chews, submandibular drools
Mnemonic
Four ganglia, each with a nerve arriving and a target:
| Ganglion | Preganglionic from | Supplies |
|---|---|---|
| Ciliary | III, oculomotor | Sphincter pupillae, ciliary muscle |
| Pterygopalatine | VII, greater petrosal | Lacrimal gland, nasal glands |
| Submandibular | VII, chorda tympani | Submandibular and sublingual glands |
| Otic | IX, lesser petrosal | Parotid gland |
“Seven supplies the two salivary glands you can see, nine supplies the one you cannot.” The facial nerve reaches the submandibular and sublingual glands; the glossopharyngeal reaches the parotid, despite the parotid being pierced by the facial nerve.
All four ganglia are suspended from branches of the trigeminal nerve, which carries the postganglionic fibres to their destination, so the trigeminal is the delivery system without being the source.
Expansion
- Ciliary ganglion - CN III, eye focusing and pupil constriction
- Pterygopalatine ganglion - CN VII, lacrimal gland secretion
- Otic ganglion - CN IX, parotid gland secretion
- Submandibular ganglion - CN VII, submandibular and sublingual gland secretion