Question

For each of the listed nerves supplying areas of the head and neck, list the terminal ganglia in which their parasympathetic preganglionic neurons synapse:

oculomotor nerve: ________

Answer 1

The terminal ganglion for the parasympathetic preganglionic neurons of the oculomotor nerve is the ciliary ganglion, which is located in the posterior orbit and controls pupillary size.

Step-by-step explanation:

For the oculomotor nerve, which contains preganglionic parasympathetic fibers, the terminal ganglia where these neurons synapse is the ciliary ganglion. This ganglion is situated in the posterior orbit, and its postganglionic parasympathetic fibers are responsible for innervating the smooth muscle of the iris, thus controlling pupillary constriction. The source of these preganglionic parasympathetic fibers is the Edinger-Westphal nucleus, which is part of the oculomotor complex located in the midbrain.

The oculomotor nerve (cranial nerve III) contains preganglionic parasympathetic fibers that synapse in the ciliary ganglion.