What is the pterygopalatine ganglion?
The pterygopalatine ganglion (aka Meckel’s ganglion, nasal ganglion, or sphenopalatine ganglion) is a parasympathetic ganglion found in the pterygopalatine fossa. It is largely innervated by the greater petrosal nerve (a branch of the facial nerve); and its axons project to the lacrimal glands and nasal mucosa.
Where does the pterygopalatine ganglion come from?
The sphenopalatine ganglion (pterygopalatine, nasal, or Meckel’s ganglion) is a parasympathetic ganglion that is located in the pterygopalatine fossa (Fig. 11-8A), posterior to the middle turbinate. Its sensory root is derived from sphenopalatine branches of the maxillary nerve, cranial nerve (CN) V2.
What is ganglion anatomy?
A ganglion is a collection of neuronal bodies found in the voluntary and autonomic branches of the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Ganglia can be thought of as synaptic relay stations between neurons. The information enters the ganglia, excites the neuron in the ganglia and then exits.
What is the function of the pterygopalatine?
The pterygopalatine ganglion is a parasympathetic nerve ganglion and one of four paired parasympathetic ganglia in your head. It sends out connections to the tear glands and mucous membranes of your mouth, throat, and nasal passages.
Why is Pterygopalatine ganglion called ganglion of hay fever?
Pterygopalatine ganglion is also known as ganglion of hay fever (allergic sinusitis). Irritation of PPG in allergic state produces congestion of glands of nose & lacrimal gland. This leads to running nose & lacrimation. This occurs when someone breathes in something he/she is allergic to such as dust or pollen.
What do parasympathetic ganglia do?
Description. The parasympathetic ganglia are involuntary and act with the sympathetic system to maintain body homeostasis among other functions. One of the important actions of the parasympathetic nervous system is associated with the ‘rest and digest’ response.
What is the job of the ganglia?
Ganglia are clusters of nerve cell bodies found throughout the body. They are part of the peripheral nervous system and carry nerve signals to and from the central nervous system.
Why do we need ganglia?
Ganglia provide relay points and intermediary connections between different neurological structures in the body, such as the peripheral and central nervous systems.
What is the clinical significance of the pterygopalatine fossa?
The pterygopalatine fossa is an important pathway for the spread of neoplastic and infectious processes: medially: communicates with the nasal cavity via the sphenopalatine foramen, which transmits the sphenopalatine artery, the nasopalatine nerve and the posterior superior nasal nerves.
What nerves go through pterygopalatine ganglion?
The pterygopalatine ganglion gives rise to the following nerves: the nasopalatine nerve, the lesser palatine nerve, the greater palatine nerve, the posterior superior lateral nasal nerves, the posterior inferior lateral nasal nerves, and pharyngeal nerve.