Anatomy & Histology · patient case question
Which nerve provides secretomotor supply to the submandibular gland, and which carries taste from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue?
Patient case: Unilateral Facial Weakness
demo: 49-year-old male
chief: “I woke up and the right side of my face was drooping.”
history: Recent upper respiratory infection. No prior neurologic events.
meds: None
findings: Drooping of the right corner of the mouth with inability to purse the lips or retain fluid. Forehead wrinkling and eye closure are preserved on the affected side. No sensory deficit. Nerve pathway illustrated below.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. The lingual nerve carries the parasympathetic fibers to the gland; the chorda tympani carries taste
- A. The greater petrosal nerve supplies the lacrimal gland and the nasal and palatal glands, not the submandibular gland.
- B. The hypoglossal nerve is purely motor to the tongue muscles.
- C. Correct. The chorda tympani, a branch of CN VII, joins the lingual nerve. It carries taste from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue and preganglionic parasympathetic fibers that synapse in the submandibular ganglion to supply the submandibular and sublingual glands.
- D. The inferior alveolar nerve is purely sensory to the mandibular teeth and lip; CN IX carries taste from the posterior third of the tongue only.
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