The term "Chorda Tympani Nerve" is commonly used in the field of medicine. The spelling of this word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) system. "Chorda" is pronounced as /ˈkɔːrdə/, with the stress on the first syllable. "Tympani" is pronounced as /tɪmˈpæni/, with the stress on the second syllable. "Nerve" is pronounced as /nɜːrv/, with the stress on the first syllable. Together, the correct pronunciation is khawr-duh tim-pan-ee nuhrv. This nerve is responsible for regulating taste sensation and salivation in the body.
The Chorda Tympani Nerve is a branch of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) that is responsible for transmitting sensory and taste information from the taste buds located on the front two-thirds of the tongue to the brain. It is a mixed nerve, meaning that it contains both sensory and motor fibers.
The Chorda Tympani Nerve originates from the facial nerve within the facial canal and eventually joins with the lingual branch of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V) in the infratemporal fossa, a space located behind the upper jawbone. From there, it travels through the middle ear cavity where it runs close to the eardrum (tympanic membrane), which gives the nerve its name.
Once it exits the middle ear, the Chorda Tympani Nerve continues its course within the infratemporal fossa and enters the oral cavity through the petrotympanic fissure. It then traverses the submandibular gland, where some of its fibers synapse with nerve cells that control salivary gland secretion before finally terminating in the tongue.
The Chorda Tympani Nerve carries taste sensations related to the sense of sweet, salty, sour, and umami (savory) from the taste receptors on the anterior two-thirds of the tongue. In addition to taste, it also carries sensory information regarding touch, texture, and temperature from the same region. Dysfunction of the Chorda Tympani Nerve can result in alterations in taste perception, dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, and other sensory disturbances in the anterior portion of the tongue.