Variable branching patterns. Disorders of the nerve provoke some interest in other medical specialties, but because of his background in head and neck anatomy and pathology and skill in temporal bone surgery, the otolaryngologist is most qualified to diagnose and manage paralysis of the facial nerve. Nevertheless, all clinicians should be able to recognize a peripheral paralysis and initiate proper evaluation. Exposed nerve is more susceptible to injury during otologic surgery. Another set of parasympathetic fibers synapse at the submandibular ganglion.
Postganglionic fibers connect the submandibular and sublingual glands.
Afferent fibers convey taste from anterior two-thirds of tongue to nucleus tractus solitarius via lingual nerve, chorda tympani, and nervus intermedius. Afferent fibers mediate sensation from posterior external auditory canal, concha, ear lobe, and deep parts of face. Degeneration Interruption of the continuity of the axon separates the distal axon from its metabolic source, the neuron or cell body. Wallerian degeneration of the distal axon and myelin sheath begins within 24 hours. Macrophages phagocytose degraded myelin and axons.