Chorda Tympani:
Branch of the vertical segment or the 4th part of facial nerve.
Gives out branches in the posterior wall of the middle ear.
-Course:
Runs obliquely in the posterior wall and enters middle ear medial to TM.
Travels posterior to anterior.
Between the malleus and incus.
Leaves middle ear at petrotympanic fissure or canal of Huguier.
Enters the infratemporal fossa.
Joins the lingual nerve & relays in submandibular ganglion.
-Supply:
• Carries taste from anterior 2/ 3rd tongue.
Gives parasympathetic secretomotor to submandibular & sublingual glands