otikumganglioni

The otic ganglion, sometimes referred to as otikumganglioni in some languages, is a small parasympathetic ganglion of the autonomic nervous system associated with the glossopharyngeal nerve (cranial nerve IX). It lies in the infratemporal fossa, just inferior to the foramen ovale and medial to the mandibular nerve (V3), near the origin of the lesser petrosal nerve.

Preganglionic connections arise from the inferior salivatory nucleus in the medulla. Preganglionic fibers travel with the tympanic nerve, form part of the tympanic plexus, and reach the otic ganglion via the lesser petrosal nerve, where they synapse.

Postganglionic fibers then exit the ganglion along the auriculotemporal nerve, a branch of V3, to reach the parotid gland and stimulate serous saliva secretion. The ganglion also transmits some sympathetic fibers that pass through without synapsing, accompanying the vascular supply to the gland.

Functionally, the otic ganglion provides secretomotor (parasympathetic) innervation to the parotid gland, regulating saliva production. Its position and connections make it a point of interest in head and neck anatomy and in procedures involving the parotid region.

Clinical relevance includes its role in salivary gland function and its involvement in gustatory sweating disorders such as Frey syndrome after parotid surgery, where miswiring of regenerating parasympathetic fibers can lead to sweating and flushing in response to eating. Lesions or dysfunction of the ganglion can contribute to reduced parotid secretion (hyposalivation).