The Parasympathetic Root Of The Submandibular Ganglion

The Parasympathetic Root Of The Submandibular Ganglion

Write a short note on the submandibular ganglion.
Answer.

• The submandibular ganglion is a small parasympathetic ganglion lying on the hyoglossus muscle.
• Topographically, it is connected to the lingual nerve, whereas functionally it is connected to the facial nerve. (Note: The chorda tympani nerve is a branch of the facial nerve.)

Submandibular Ganglion Roots

Parasympathetic root:

• Preganglionic fibres arise from superior salivatory nucleus. These fibres then pass successively through nervus intermedius, facial nerve, chorda tympani and lingual nerves to relay in the ganglion.
• Postganglionic fibres arise from ganglion and supply submandibular and sublingual salivary glands.

Sympathetic root:

• Preganglionic fibres arise from the T1 spinal segment and relay in the superior cervical sympathetic ganglion.
• Postganglionic fibres arise from the superior cervical sympathetic ganglion, form a plexus around the external carotid artery, pass through the ganglion without relay, and supply the submandibular and sublingual glands.

Submandibular Ganglion Sensory:

• Lingual nerve.
• Sensory fibres also do not relay in the ganglion.