Nerve of pterygoid canal

The nerve of the pterygoid canal (Vidian nerve) is formed by the union of the (parasympathetic) greater petrosal nerve and (sympathetic) deep petrosal nerve within the cartilaginous substance filling the foramen lacerum. From the foramen lacerum, the nerve of the pterygoid canal passes through the pterygoid canal to reach the pterygopalatine fossa, ending at the pterygopalatine ganglion.

Nerve of pterygoid canal
Plan of the facial and intermediate nerves and their communication with other nerves. (Vidian nerve labeled at upper right.)
Details
FromGreater petrosal nerve, deep petrosal nerve
ToPterygopalatine ganglion
Identifiers
Latinn. canalis pterygoidei
TA98A14.3.02.007
TA26290
FMA67584
Anatomical terms of neuroanatomy

Structure

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The nerve of the pterygoid canal forms from the junction of the greater petrosal nerve and the deep petrosal nerve within the foreamen lacerum. This combined nerve exits the foramen lacerum and travels to the pterygopalatine fossa through the pterygoid canal in the sphenoid.

The nerve of the pterygoid canal contains axons of both sympathetic and parasympathetic axons, specifically;

Function

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The preganglionic parasympathetic axons synapse in the pterygopalatine ganglion, which contains the postganglionic neurons which provide secretomotor innervation to the lacrimal gland, as well as the nasal and palatine glands.

The postganglionic sympathetic axons do not synapse in the pterygopalatine ganglion, they travel on the branches of the maxillary nerve to provide sympathetic innervation to blood vessels.

Additional images

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See also

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References

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  This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 892 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)

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  • cranialnerves at The Anatomy Lesson by Wesley Norman (Georgetown University) (VII) ("NPC")