lesser palatine nerve

Introduction

Generally 2 nerves emerging through the lesser palatine foramen.

Origin

• pterygopalatine ganglion

Innervation

• mucosa & the glands of the soft palate & uvula
• postsynaptic parasympathetic fibers
• sensory fibers of the maxillary nerve (CN V-2)

Course

• passes inferiorly from the pterygopalatine ganglion through the greater palatine canal to supply the mucosa & the glands of the hard palate & the anterior part of the soft palate

More general terms

• peripheral nerve