The lesser petrosal nerve, also known as the small superficial petrosal nerve, is a specific type of nerve found in the head. It is classified as a general visceral efferent (GVE) nerve. Its primary role, as described in the reference, is to convey crucial nerve fibers necessary for the function of the parotid gland.
Key Characteristics & Function
This nerve plays a vital role in providing secretomotor innervation to the parotid gland, one of the major salivary glands. It achieves this by carrying specific types of nerve fibers along its path.
- Alternative Name: Small superficial petrosal nerve
- Type: General Visceral Efferent (GVE) nerve
- Fibers Carried: Pre-ganglionic parasympathetic secretomotor fibers
- Function: Provides innervation for the parotid gland, enabling it to produce saliva (secretomotor function).
Pathway
The lesser petrosal nerve follows a specific route to deliver its fibers. Based on the reference, its pathway is as follows:
- Origin: It arises from the tympanic plexus.
- Course: It travels to the otic ganglion.
- Termination Point: The pre-ganglionic fibers carried by the lesser petrosal nerve synapse (make a connection) at the otic ganglion. From the otic ganglion, post-ganglionic fibers then continue on to innervate the parotid gland.
In summary, the lesser petrosal nerve is a key nerve component in the parasympathetic pathway responsible for controlling saliva secretion from the parotid gland, acting as the conduit for pre-ganglionic fibers from the tympanic plexus to their synapse in the otic ganglion.
