The tympanic nerve contains sensory axons to the
middle ear (including the internal surface of the
tympanic membrane) whose cell bodies are lodged in the
superior ganglion of the glossopharyngeal nerve. in the
jugular fossa.''''''
Course It passes through the
petrous part of the temporal bone within the
tympanic canaliculus that is situated within the bony ridge separating the
carotid canal and the
jugular foramen to reach the
middle ear.''' These neurons then provide secretomotor innervation of the
parotid gland via the
auriculotemporal nerve.
Variation The tympanic nerve usually arises from the
inferior ganglion of the
glossopharyngeal nerve. Rarely, it may arise from a higher part. Rarely, it may provide no parasympathetic fibres to the otic ganglion. == Clinical significance ==