Nerves of pterygopalatine fossa (English)

Within the pterygopalatine fossa, branches which arise directly from the maxillary nerve include the branches of maxillary nerve to pterygopalatine ganglion (of which there are usually two) and the zygomatic nerve. Branches associated with the pterygopalatine ganglion include the nasopalatine, posterior superior nasal, greater palatine, lesser palatine and pharyngeal nerves, as well as 2-3 small orbital branches. Parasympathetic and sympathetic fibers are delivered to the pterygopalatine ganglion via the nerve of pterygoid canal (derived from the greater petrosal (facial nerve) and deep petrosal nerve (internal carotid plexus), respectively. Postganglionic fibers are then distributed within the aforementioned ganglionic branches of the maxillary nerve to regulate secretomotor and vascular responses in the lacrimal gland as well as mucous membranes of the nasal cavity, naso/oropharynx, and upper oral cavity. While the naso-, greater and lesser palatine nerves mainly convey sensory impulses, they also carry special visceral afferent (taste) fibers from the palate to the pterygopalatine ganglion; these fibers continue to the facial nerve via the nerve of pterygoid canal.