Nerve of pterygoid canal

The nerve of the pterygoid canal, also known as the Vidian nerve, is a mixed nerve that carries both sympathetic and parasympathetic fibers. It is a significant structure in the autonomic nervous system and plays a crucial role in the innervation of the nasal cavity and palate.

Anatomy

The nerve of the pterygoid canal is formed by the union of two nerves:

• The greater petrosal nerve, which carries parasympathetic fibers from the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII).
• The deep petrosal nerve, which carries sympathetic fibers from the internal carotid plexus.

These two nerves join in the foramen lacerum to form the nerve of the pterygoid canal, which then passes through the pterygoid canal in the sphenoid bone.

Function

The nerve of the pterygoid canal provides autonomic innervation to several structures:

• Parasympathetic fibers synapse in the pterygopalatine ganglion and then provide secretomotor innervation to the lacrimal gland, nasal glands, and palatine glands.
• Sympathetic fibers pass through the pterygopalatine ganglion without synapsing and provide vasoconstrictive innervation to the blood vessels of the nasal cavity and palate.

Clinical Significance

Damage to the nerve of the pterygoid canal can result in a variety of symptoms, including dry eyes (due to reduced lacrimal secretion), dry nasal passages, and reduced secretion from the palatine glands. This can occur due to trauma, surgical complications, or pathological conditions affecting the pterygopalatine fossa.

Related Structures

• Pterygopalatine fossa
• Pterygopalatine ganglion
• Greater petrosal nerve
• Deep petrosal nerve
• Facial nerve
• Internal carotid plexus

See Also

• Autonomic nervous system
• Cranial nerves
• Sphenoid bone