The Lacrimal Glands are Innervated by Parasympathetic Postganglionic Fibers from the ________

Question

The lacrimal glands are innervated by parasympathetic postganglionic fibers from the ________.
A) autonomic plexuses
B) submandibular ganglion
C) ciliary ganglion
D) otic ganglion
E) pterygopalatine ganglion

Accepted Answer

The lacrimal gland receives parasympathetic innervation from the pterygopalatine ganglion, which is located in the pterygopalatine fossa. The pterygopalatine ganglion is the relay for the parasympathetic fibers that originate from the facial nerve via the greater petrosal nerve and synapse in the ganglion before travelling to the lacrimal gland.