Definition

1. Noun:
   • An autonomic ganglion whose postganglionic fibers are distributed to the parotid gland: The otic ganglion is a small, parasympathetic nerve cell cluster located just below the foramen ovale in the infratemporal fossa. It is primarily associated with the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) and provides secretomotor innervation to the parotid salivary gland.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The surgeon carefully avoided the otic ganglion during the procedure to prevent dry mouth.
  • Preganglionic fibers from the lesser petrosal nerve synapse in the otic ganglion.
  • An injury to the otic ganglion can affect saliva production in the parotid gland.

Advanced Usage

• "Parasympathetic root of the otic ganglion": refers to the lesser petrosal nerve, which carries preganglionic fibers to the ganglion.
  • The parasympathetic root of the otic ganglion originates from the tympanic plexus.
• "To synapse in the otic ganglion": describes the process where nerve fibers connect and transmit signals within this structure.
  • The fibers from the glossopharyngeal nerve synapse in the otic ganglion.

Variants and Related Words

• Parasympathetic ganglion (n): a general term for ganglia of the parasympathetic nervous system, of which the otic ganglion is one example.
  • The ciliary and pterygopalatine ganglia are other parasympathetic ganglia in the head.
• Parotid gland (n): the large salivary gland near the ear, which is the target organ for the postganglionic fibers of the otic ganglion.
  • The parotid gland secretes saliva in response to signals relayed via the otic ganglion.

Synonyms

• Otoganglion (n): A less common synonym for the otic ganglion.
• Arnold's ganglion (n): An eponym occasionally used in older anatomical texts.

Related Phrases

• "Innervation of the parotid": a phrase describing the nerve supply to the parotid gland, a key function of the otic ganglion.
  • The lecture focused on the complex innervation of the parotid, highlighting the role of the otic ganglion.
• "Ganglion related to CN IX": describes the otic ganglion's primary cranial nerve association.
  • The otic ganglion is the ganglion related to CN IX for parasympathetic functions.

Noun

1. an autonomic ganglion whose postganglionic fibers are distributed to the parotid gland