Parotid Gland: Anatomy, Innervation And Clinical Aspects

Parotid Gland: Anatomy, Innervation And Clinical Aspects

Otic Ganglion Location

It is a small parasympathetic ganglion of 2–3 mm in size (about the size of pin-head) and is located in the infratemporal fossa, just below the foramen ovale. It lies medial to mandibular nerve and lateral to tensor palati muscle.

Otic Ganglion Roots

Parasympathetic root: From lesser petrosal nerve.

Sympathetic root: From sympathetic plexus around middle meningeal artery.

Sensory root: From auriculotemporal nerve.

Motor root: From nerve to medial pterygoid.

Otic Ganglion Distribution

Parasympathetic (secretomotor) fibres: Supply parotid gland through auriculotemporal nerve.

Sympathetic (vasoconstrictor) fibres: Supply blood vessels of parotid gland through auriculotemporal nerve.

Sensory fibres: Provide sensory innervation to parotid gland through auriculotemporal nerve.

Motor fibres: Supply three muscles through nerve to medial pterygoid – medial pterygoid, tensor palati and tensor tympani.