OTIC GANGLION Meaning and
Definition
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The otic ganglion, also known as the Arnold's ganglion, is a small parasympathetic ganglion located within the infratemporal fossa of the skull. It is situated just inferior to the foramen ovale, a bony aperture in the sphenoid bone. The ganglion is an important structure in the innervation of the head and neck region.
Functionally, the otic ganglion is involved in the parasympathetic innervation of the parotid gland, which is one of the major salivary glands. It receives preganglionic fibers from the glossopharyngeal nerve (cranial nerve IX) through the lesser petrosal nerve. These preganglionic fibers synapse with the postganglionic neurons within the otic ganglion, which then send postganglionic fibers to innervate the parotid gland. The parasympathetic stimulation transmitted by the otic ganglion mainly induces the secretion of saliva.
Moreover, the otic ganglion is interconnected with other cranial ganglia, such as the pterygopalatine ganglion, via nerve branches and anastomoses. These ganglia contribute to the parasympathetic innervation of various structures in the head including lacrimal glands, nasal mucosa, and some glands present in the oral cavity.
Overall, the otic ganglion plays a crucial role in the parasympathetic control of salivary secretion through its connections with the glossopharyngeal nerve and subsequent innervation of the parotid gland.
Common Misspellings for OTIC GANGLION
- itic ganglion
- ktic ganglion
- ltic ganglion
- ptic ganglion
- 0tic ganglion
- 9tic ganglion
- oric ganglion
- ofic ganglion
- ogic ganglion
- oyic ganglion
- o6ic ganglion
- o5ic ganglion
- otuc ganglion
- otjc ganglion
- otkc ganglion
- otoc ganglion
- ot9c ganglion
- ot8c ganglion
- otix ganglion
Etymology of OTIC GANGLION
The word "ganglion" derives from the Ancient Greek word "ganglion", meaning a knot or swelling. In anatomical terms, it refers to a group of neuron cell bodies outside the central nervous system.
The term "otic" comes from the Latin word "oticus", meaning "of the ear". It relates to the ear or auditory system. Therefore, when combined, "otic ganglion" refers to a ganglion associated with the ear or auditory system.
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