lesser petrosal nerve

Origin

• tympanic plexus, fibers from the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)

Innervation

• carries parasympathetic fibers to the otic ganglion
• carries secretor motor fibers to the parotid gland

Course

• exits the tympanic cavity through the canal for the lesser petrosal nerve & passes within the cranium to the sphenopetrosal fissure, or to the foramen ovale, or to the petrosal foramenthrough which it descends to reach the otic ganglion

More general terms

• peripheral nerve

Additional terms

• greater petrosal nerve