Superior ganglion of vagus nerve

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Superior ganglion of vagus nerve
Gray791.png
Plan of upper portions of glossopharyngeal, vagus, and accessory nerves. The superior ganglion of the vagus nerve is labeled as ‘jugular gang.’
Details
From Vagus nerve
To Auricular branch of vagus nerve or meningeal branch of vagus nerve
Innervates Dura mater of posterior cranial fossa, parts of the auricle, external auditory canal and external surface of tympanic membrane
Identifiers
Latin ganglion superius nervi vagi, ganglion jugulare
TA98 A14.2.01.154
TA2 6333
FMA 6229
Anatomical terms of neuroanatomy

The superior ganglion of the vagus nerve (jugular ganglion) is a sensory ganglion of the peripheral nervous system. It is located within the jugular foramen, where the vagus nerve exits the skull. It is smaller than and proximal to the inferior ganglion of the vagus nerve. [1] [2]

Contents

Structure

The neurons in the superior ganglion of the vagus nerve are pseudounipolar and provide sensory innervation (general somatic afferent) through either the auricular or meningeal branch. The axons of these neurons synapse in the spinal trigeminal nucleus of the brainstem. [1] Peripherally, the neurons found in the superior ganglion form two branches, the auricular and meningeal branch.

Function

Auricular branch of the vagus nerve

The superior ganglion contains neurons which innervate the concha of the auricle, [3] the posteroinferior surface of the external auditory canal and posteroinferior surface of the tympanic membrane all via the auricular branch of the vagus nerve. [4] [5]

Meningeal branch of the vagus nerve

The superior ganglion contains neurons which innervate some of the dura mater lining the posterior cranial fossa via the meningeal branch of the vagus nerve. [6] [7]

Development

Embryonic development of the nervous system. The neural crest can be seen in light green. Neural Crest.png
Embryonic development of the nervous system. The neural crest can be seen in light green.

The neurons in the superior ganglion of the vagus nerve are embryonically derived from the neural crest. [8]

Clinical significance

Vagal neuralgia

Pain in the external auditory canal (otalgia) can in rare cases be due to vagal neuralgia because of vascular compression of the vagus nerve (often by the posterior inferior cerebellar artery). The affected neurons are found in the superior ganglion and innervate the ear via the auricular branch of the vagus. The condition is treated by microvascular decompression of the vagus nerve where it exits the brainstem. [5]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vagus nerve</span> Main nerve of the parasympathetic nervous system

The vagus nerve, also known as the tenth cranial nerve, cranial nerve X, or simply CN X, is a cranial nerve that carries sensory fibers that create a pathway that interfaces with the parasympathetic control of the heart, lungs, and digestive tract. It comprises two nerves—the left and right vagus nerves—but they are typically referred to collectively as a single subsystem.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Facial nerve</span> Cranial nerve VII, for the face and tasting

The facial nerve, also known as the seventh cranial nerve, cranial nerve VII, or simply CN VII, is a cranial nerve that emerges from the pons of the brainstem, controls the muscles of facial expression, and functions in the conveyance of taste sensations from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue. The nerve typically travels from the pons through the facial canal in the temporal bone and exits the skull at the stylomastoid foramen. It arises from the brainstem from an area posterior to the cranial nerve VI and anterior to cranial nerve VIII.

Articles related to anatomy include:

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Glossopharyngeal nerve</span> Cranial nerve IX, for the tongue and pharynx

The glossopharyngeal nerve, also known as the ninth cranial nerve, cranial nerve IX, or simply CN IX, is a cranial nerve that exits the brainstem from the sides of the upper medulla, just anterior to the vagus nerve. Being a mixed nerve (sensorimotor), it carries afferent sensory and efferent motor information. The motor division of the glossopharyngeal nerve is derived from the basal plate of the embryonic medulla oblongata, whereas the sensory division originates from the cranial neural crest.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mandibular nerve</span> Branch of the trigeminal nerve responsible for the lower face and jaw

In neuroanatomy, the mandibular nerve (V3) is the largest of the three divisions of the trigeminal nerve, the fifth cranial nerve (CN V). Unlike the other divisions of the trigeminal nerve (ophthalmic nerve, maxillary nerve) which contain only afferent fibers, the mandibular nerve contains both afferent and efferent fibers. These nerve fibers innervate structures of the lower jaw and face, such as the tongue, lower lip, and chin. The mandibular nerve also innervates the muscles of mastication.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Internal carotid artery</span> Artery of the human brain

The internal carotid artery is an artery in the neck which supplies the anterior circulation of the brain.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dura mater</span> Outermost layer of the protective tissues around the central nervous system (meninges)

In neuroanatomy, dura mater is a thick membrane made of dense irregular connective tissue that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. It is the outermost of the three layers of membrane called the meninges that protect the central nervous system. The other two meningeal layers are the arachnoid mater and the pia mater. It envelops the arachnoid mater, which is responsible for keeping in the cerebrospinal fluid. It is derived primarily from the neural crest cell population, with postnatal contributions of the paraxial mesoderm.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Otic ganglion</span> Parasympathetic ganglion of the head and neck

The otic ganglion is a small parasympathetic ganglion located immediately below the foramen ovale in the infratemporal fossa and on the medial surface of the mandibular nerve. It is functionally associated with the glossopharyngeal nerve and innervates the parotid gland for salivation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Auriculotemporal nerve</span> Branch of the mandibular nerve

The auriculotemporal nerve is a sensory branch of the mandibular nerve (CN V3) that runs with the superficial temporal artery and vein, and provides sensory innervation to parts of the external ear, scalp, and temporomandibular joint. The nerve also conveys post-ganglionic parasympathetic fibres from the otic ganglion to the parotid gland.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chorda tympani</span> Nerve carrying taste sensations

Chorda tympani is a branch of the facial nerve that carries gustatory (taste) sensory innervation from the front of the tongue and parasympathetic (secretomotor) innervation to the submandibular and sublingual salivary glands.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Auricular branch of vagus nerve</span> Nerve of the head and neck

The auricular branch of the vagus nerve is often termed the Alderman's nerve or Arnold's nerve. The latter name is an eponym for Friedrich Arnold. The auricular branch of the vagus nerve supplies sensory innervation to the skin of the ear canal, tragus, and auricle.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Greater petrosal nerve</span> Nerve in the skull

The greater petrosal nerve is a nerve of the head mainly containing pre-ganglionic parasympathetic fibres which ultimately synapse in the pterygopalatine ganglion. It branches from the facial nerve and is derived from the parasympathetic part of the nervus intermedius component of CN VII, with its cell bodies located in the superior salivary nucleus. In the connective tissue substance of the foramen lacerum, the greater petrosal nerve unites with the (sympathetic) deep petrosal nerve to form the nerve of the pterygoid canal which proceeds to the pterygopalatine ganglion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Geniculate ganglion</span> Collection of facial nerve neurons

The geniculate ganglion is a collection of pseudounipolar sensory neurons of the facial nerve located in the facial canal of the head. It receives fibers from the facial nerve. It sends fibers that supply the lacrimal glands, submandibular glands, sublingual glands, tongue, palate, pharynx, external auditory meatus, stapedius muscle, posterior belly of the digastric muscle, stylohyoid muscle, and muscles of facial expression.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Petrous part of the temporal bone</span> Feature at the base of the human skull

The petrous part of the temporal bone is pyramid-shaped and is wedged in at the base of the skull between the sphenoid and occipital bones. Directed medially, forward, and a little upward, it presents a base, an apex, three surfaces, and three angles, and houses in its interior, the components of the inner ear. The petrous portion is among the most basal elements of the skull and forms part of the endocranium. Petrous comes from the Latin word petrosus, meaning "stone-like, hard". It is one of the densest bones in the body. In other mammals, it is a separate bone, the petrosal bone.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Inferior ganglion of glossopharyngeal nerve</span>

The inferior ganglion of the glossopharyngeal nerve is a sensory ganglion. It is larger than and inferior to the superior ganglion of the glossopharyngeal nerve. It is located within the jugular foramen.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Superior ganglion of glossopharyngeal nerve</span>

The superior ganglion of the glossopharyngeal nerve is a sensory ganglion of the peripheral nervous system. It is located within the jugular foramen where the glossopharyngeal nerve exits the skull. It is smaller than and superior to the inferior ganglion of the glossopharyngeal nerve.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Inferior ganglion of vagus nerve</span> Ganglion of the peripheral nervous system

The inferior ganglion of the vagus nerve is one of the two sensory ganglia of each vagus nerve. It contains neuron cell bodies of general visceral afferent fibers and special visceral afferent fibers. It is situated within the jugular fossa just below the skull. It is situated just below the superior ganglion of vagus nerve.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dorsal nucleus of vagus nerve</span>

The dorsal nucleus of vagus nerve is a cranial nerve nucleus of the vagus nerve situated in the medulla oblongata of the brainstem ventral to the floor of the fourth ventricle. It contains nerve cell bodies of parasympathetic neurons of CN X that provide parasympathetic innervation to the gastrointestinal tract and lungs as well as other thoracic and abdominal organs. These functions include, among others, bronchoconstriction and gland secretion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pharyngeal plexus of vagus nerve</span> Nerve fibers innervating most of the palate and pharynx

The pharyngeal plexus is a nerve plexus located upon the outer surface of the pharynx. It contains a motor component, a sensory component, and sympathetic component.

The meningeal branch of the vagus nerve is one of the first branches of the vagus nerve at the level of the superior ganglion. The neuron cell bodies reside within the superior ganglion and innervate the dura mater in the posterior cranial fossa of the base of the skull. The meningeal branch passes back into the skull through the jugular foramen.

References

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  2. Burt, Alvin M. (1993). Textbook of Neuroanatomy (1st ed.). Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders. pp.  423-427. ISBN   0721621996. OCLC   24503849.
  3. Mercante B, Ginatempo F, Manca A, Melis F, Enrico P, Deriu F (June 2018). "Anatomo-Physiologic Basis for Auricular Stimulation". Medical Acupuncture. 30 (3): 141–150. doi:10.1089/acu.2017.1254. PMC   6011382 . PMID   29937968.
  4. Tekdemir I, Aslan A, Elhan A (1998). "A clinico-anatomic study of the auricular branch of the vagus nerve and Arnold's ear-cough reflex". Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy. 20 (4): 253–7. PMID   9787391.
  5. 1 2 Watanabe, Kentaro; Tubbs, R. Shane; Satoh, Shunsuke; Zomorodi, Ali R.; Liedtke, Wolfgang; Labidi, Moujahed; Friedman, Allan H.; Fukushima, Takanori (December 2016). "Isolated Deep Ear Canal Pain: Possible Role of Auricular Branch of Vagus Nerve-Case Illustrations with Cadaveric Correlation". World Neurosurgery. 96: 293–301. doi:10.1016/j.wneu.2016.08.102. ISSN   1878-8769. PMID   27593717.
  6. Kemp WJ, Tubbs RS, Cohen-Gadol AA (November 2012). "The innervation of the cranial dura mater: neurosurgical case correlates and a review of the literature". World Neurosurgery. 78 (5): 505–10. doi:10.1016/j.wneu.2011.10.045. PMID   22120554.
  7. Keller JT, Saunders MC, Beduk A, Jollis JG (January 1985). "Innervation of the posterior fossa dura of the cat". Brain Research Bulletin. 14 (1): 97–102. doi:10.1016/0361-9230(85)90181-9. PMID   3872702. S2CID   4763767.
  8. Thompson H, Blentic A, Watson S, Begbie J, Graham A (February 2010). "The formation of the superior and jugular ganglia: insights into the generation of sensory neurons by the neural crest". Developmental Dynamics. 239 (2): 439–45. doi: 10.1002/dvdy.22179 . PMID   20014097.