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Glite Dictionary
otic ganglion

otic ganglion

9.0
A small group of nerve cells under the skull that sends signals to the parotid salivary gland near the ear
  • noun
  • /ˈɔtɪk ˈɡæŋɡliən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : ganglio ótico
  • Stimulation of the otic ganglion increases secretion from the parotid gland.

Examples

  • The surgeon carefully avoided the otic ganglion during the procedure near the base of the skull.

  • The otic ganglion is essential for saliva production.

  • Damage to the otic ganglion can disrupt saliva production in the parotid gland.

  • The otic ganglia connect to the parotid gland.

  • Damage to the otic ganglion can disrupt saliva production in the parotid gland.

  • Stimulation of the otic ganglion increases secretion from the parotid gland.

  • The surgeon carefully avoided the otic ganglion during the procedure near the base of the skull.

Synonyms

otoganglion
vsotic ganglion
  • Specialized
9.9

A small group of nerve cells that send signals to the saliva gland near the ear

is located below the foramen ovale and gives postganglionic fibers to the parotid gland

Surface Forms

otic ganglion singular
otic ganglions plural

Morphology

otic + ganglion

If the learner knows 'otic' (relating to the ear) and 'ganglion' (a mass of nerve cells), the compound meaning 'a ganglion associated with the ear' is directly derivable from the constituents. Although the dictionary definition adds precise anatomical and functional detail (autonomic, location, supply to the parotid), the core meaning is compositional and follows common medical root+noun formation, so it is transparent to someone who knows the parts.

Etymology

Otic ganglion comes from two old words: otic from a word for the 'ear' and ganglion meaning a 'group of nerve cells'. It is a small group of nerves near the ear that helps control the saliva gland next to the cheek, so the name literally means a 'nerve group by the ear'.