Corpus: External carotid plexus
1. Definition
The external carotid plexus is a periarterial, sympathetic nerve fiber network surrounding the external carotid artery. It is formed by the external carotid nerves originating from the superior cervical ganglion.
2. Course
The postganglionic fibers of the external carotid plexus travel via the submandibular ganglion and the otic ganglion to their target organs without synapsing:
- Sublingual gland (glandula sublingualis)
- Submandibular gland (glandula submandibularis)
- Parotid gland (glandula parotis)
See also: Internal carotid plexus