Corpus: Internal carotid plexus
1. Definition
The internal carotid plexus is a network of sympathetic nerve fibers surrounding the internal carotid artery. It is formed by the internal carotid nerves originating from the superior cervical ganglion.
Occasionally, this plexus forms a small ganglion known as the carotid ganglion.
2. Course
The postganglionic fibers of the internal carotid plexus contribute to the formation of the deep petrosal nerve, among others, and travel through the ciliary ganglion and the pterygopalatine ganglion without synapsing, to reach their target organs:
- Pupil dilator muscle (dilator pupillae muscle)
- Orbital muscle (orbitalis muscle)
- Tarsal muscles (tarsales muscles)
- Lacrimal gland
- Mucosa of the palate
- Nasal mucosa
Fibers from the internal carotid plexus also contribute to the caroticotympanic nerves, which run to the tympanic plexus.
See also: External carotid plexus