PETROSAL NERVE Meaning and
Definition
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The petrosal nerve is a term used in anatomy to refer to a nerve that is associated with the temporal bone and the skull. Specifically, it is a branch of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII), which is responsible for controlling the muscles of facial expression. It is categorized into two branches: the greater petrosal nerve and the lesser petrosal nerve.
The greater petrosal nerve arises from the geniculate ganglion, an enlargement along the facial nerve's course. It passes through the temporal bone's greater petrosal canal and emerges at the foramen lacerum, a triangular opening in the base of the skull. The greater petrosal nerve provides parasympathetic innervation to the lacrimal gland (responsible for tear production), as well as to the nasal glands and the hard and soft palate.
On the other hand, the lesser petrosal nerve originates from the tympanic plexus, a network of nerves in the middle ear cavity. It exits the skull through the middle ear and passes through the foramen ovale, another opening in the skull. The lesser petrosal nerve carries primarily parasympathetic fibers that innervate the parotid salivary gland located near the ear.
Overall, the petrosal nerve branches play a crucial role in regulating functions related to tear production, salivation, and oral sensation, contributing to the overall control and maintenance of various facial structures.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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A branch of the vidian nerve.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for PETROSAL NERVE
Etymology of PETROSAL NERVE
The word "petrosal" is derived from the Latin word "petrosus", which means "rock-like" or "hard". In anatomy, the term "petrosal" describes structures that are located near or associated with the petrous part of the temporal bone, which is a hard and dense portion of the skull. The word "nerve" comes from the Latin "nervus", which means "sinew" or "nerve". In the case of the "petrosal nerve", it refers to a nerve that is related to or originates from the petrous part of the temporal bone.
