Which autonomic ganglion associated with CN VII provides secretomotor fibers to the lacrimal gland via zygomaticotemporal branches?

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

Answer: (C)

Parasympathetic secretomotor fibers to the lacrimal gland come from the facial nerve and synapse in the pterygopalatine ganglion. From there, postganglionic fibers follow branches of the maxillary division (V2) on their way to the lacrimal gland. Specifically, they hitch a ride with the zygomatic nerve and reach the lacrimal gland via a communicating branch from the zygomaticotemporal branch to the lacrimal nerve. That’s why the pterygopalatine ganglion is the autonomic ganglion associated with CN VII involved in lacrimation.

For context, the submandibular ganglion handles secretomotor fibers to the submandibular and sublingual glands (via chorda tympani), the otic ganglion supplies the parotid gland (via auriculotemporal), and the ciliary ganglion is for pupil constriction (via oculomotor fibers).