On a complex anastomosis of the glossopharyngeal nerve in humans

The glossopharyngeal nerve shows anastomoses with the facial nerve and the sympathetic nervous system. One anastomosis extends from the interconnected stylopharyngeal branches, immediately after having perforated the muscle towards the base of skull. Cranially, varying targets of the ascending nerve can be discriminated: 1) The temporal bone. 2) The facial nerve. 3) The sympathetic nerve plexus of the internal carotid nerve. This complex anastomosis was now studied under the dissecting microscope in more detail. The investigation revealed a more complicated distribution pattern of the anastomotic nerve than previously assumed, i.e. the existence of a solitary ascending branch could only be proved in a minority of cases (seven of twenty individuals). In the majority, a delicate nerve plexus could be visualized (thirteen of twenty individuals). In the cases of an anastomosis with the facial nerve, the stylohyoid branch was observed to be the main target of the ascending nerve. Also, connections with the internal carotid nerve were seen. In addition, delicate endings of the branches were demonstrated ramifying in the styloid process or penetrating the temporal bone at other sites. The histological demonstration of ganglion cells within the ascending nerve or nerve plexus suggests parasympathetic and sensoric functions for this anastomosis.