Which nerve conveys parasympathetic secretomotor fibers to the submandibular gland to stimulate salivary secretion?

The parasympathetic innervation of the submandibular gland follows this pathway: Superior salivatory nucleus (pons) → facial nerve (CN VII) → chorda tympani (branches off CN VII in the petrotympanic fissure) → joins the lingual nerve (branch of V3) → submandibular ganglion (postganglionic fibers synapse here) → secretomotor fibers to submandibular and sublingual glands. The lingual nerve acts as a 'hitchhiker' carrying the chorda tympani fibers to the submandibular ganglion. The auriculotemporal nerve conveys parasympathetic fibers to the parotid gland (via the otic ganglion). The buccal nerve and inferior alveolar nerve are sensory/motor branches with no salivary secretomotor role.