Which parasympathetic ganglion is associated with the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)?

Correct answer: D. Otic ganglion

• A. Incorrect. The geniculate ganglion is a SENSORY (taste) ganglion of CN VII located at the bend of the facial canal — it is not a parasympathetic synapse point.
• B. Incorrect. The submandibular ganglion also belongs to CN VII (via the chorda tympani riding on the lingual nerve) and supplies the submandibular and sublingual glands.
• C. Incorrect. The pterygopalatine ganglion belongs to CN VII (via the greater petrosal nerve) and supplies the lacrimal gland and the mucous glands of the nose and palate.
• D. Correct. The OTIC GANGLION is the parasympathetic ganglion of CN IX. Preganglionic fibres travel from the inferior salivatory nucleus via the tympanic nerve (Jacobson's nerve) and the lesser petrosal nerve to synapse in the otic ganglion; postganglionic fibres then hitch a ride on the AURICULOTEMPORAL nerve (V3) to reach the PAROTID gland.

Note: Four parasympathetic ganglia of the head: ciliary (CN III), pterygopalatine (CN VII), submandibular (CN VII), otic (CN IX). Only the otic belongs to IX.