Which branch of CN V carries parasympathetic fibers destined for the submandibular gland along with the lingual nerve?

• A. Auriculotemporal
• B. Lingual nerve
• C. Inferior alveolar
• D. Mental nerve

Answer: (B)

Parasympathetic fibers to the submandibular and sublingual glands reach their targets by hitchhiking on a branch of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve. Preganglionic parasympathetic fibers arise in the facial nerve as part of the chorda tympani. These fibers join the lingual nerve and travel with it in the infratemporal region to reach the submandibular ganglion, where they synapse. The postganglionic fibers then travel with the lingual nerve to the submandibular and sublingual glands. That means the lingual nerve serves as the route carrying these parasympathetic fibers to the submandibular gland. The other branches listed are associated with different targets: the auriculotemporal nerve carries parasympathetics to the parotid gland, while the inferior alveolar and mental nerves are primarily sensory/motor pathways to teeth and lower facial tissues and do not convey these submandibular parasympathetic fibers.