greater petrosal nerve

Origin

• branch from the genu of the facial nerve (CN VII)

Innervation

• carries parasympathetic fibers to the pterygopalatine ganglion

Course

• exits the cranium via the hiatus of the facial canal & runs in a groove on the anterior surface of the petrous part of the temporal bone.
• it joins the deep petrosal nerve to form the nerve of the pterygoid canal.

Branches

• nerve of the pterygoid canal

More general terms

• peripheral nerve

Additional terms

• deep petrosal nerve
• facial nerve (CN VII)
• lesser petrosal nerve
• nerve of the pterygoid canal