Chapter contents
Branchial motor
Visceral motor
Special sensory
General sensory
Peripheral lesions| Cranial Nerve VII - Facial Nerve | Page 24 of 28 |
Central Course
The cell bodies of these primary sensory neurons reside in the geniculate ganglion. The peripheral processes of these neurons pass from the skin of the external ear and small region of skin behind the ear through the stylomastoid foramen in conjunction with the fibers of the branchial motor component of CN VII.
They then course through the petrous portion of the temporal bone to the geniculate ganglion.
From the geniculate ganglion, the central processes of these general sensory fibers travel through the facial canal of the petrous portion of the temporal bone and exit the internal acoustic meatus.
Figure 7-22. Central course, general sensory component of CN VII.
