Which autonomic ganglion associated with CN VII primarily innervates the submandibular salivary gland?

• A. Pterygopalatine ganglion
• B. Submandibular ganglion
• C. Otic ganglion
• D. Ciliary ganglion

Answer: (B)

Parasympathetic innervation to the submandibular gland travels through the submandibular ganglion. Preganglionic fibers originate in the superior salivatory nucleus and travel with the facial nerve as the chorda tympani. The chorda tympani joins the lingual nerve to reach the submandibular ganglion, where they synapse. Postganglionic fibers then innervate the submandibular (and also the sublingual) glands to stimulate saliva. Other CN VII-associated ganglia serve different targets: the pterygopalatine ganglion innervates lacrimal and nasal/palatal glands; the otic ganglion serves the parotid gland via the glossopharyngeal pathway; the ciliary ganglion innervates ocular structures via the oculomotor nerve.