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Clinical anatomy of the chorda tympani: a systematic review

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 August 2011

L J McManus ,
P J D Dawes  and
M D Stringer
L J McManus
Affiliation:
Department of Anatomy, Otago School of Medical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
P J D Dawes
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Department of Surgical Sciences, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
M D Stringer*
Affiliation:
Department of Anatomy, Otago School of Medical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
*
Address for correspondence: Prof. M D Stringer, Department of Anatomy, Otago School of Medical Sciences, University of Otago, PO Box 913, Dunedin, New Zealand Fax: +64 3 479 7254 E-mail: mark.stringer@anatomy.otago.ac.nz
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Abstract

Objective:

The chorda tympani is at risk of iatrogenic injury throughout its course. This paper reviews the clinical anatomy of the nerve in adults.

Design:

Systematic literature review.

Method:

Relevant English-language articles were identified using five electronic databases and one search engine. Data from approximately 70 scientific papers were supplemented with information from selected reference texts.

Results:

The anatomy of the chorda tympani differs from standard descriptions, particularly regarding its exit from the middle ear and area of lingual innervation. Whilst it is known to convey taste sensation from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue and parasympathetic innervation to the submandibular and sublingual salivary glands, the chorda tympani probably has additional sensory and secretomotor functions.

Conclusion:

A detailed understanding of the anatomy of the chorda tympani may help to reduce the risk of iatrogenic injury during head, neck and middle-ear surgery, and to explain the variable consequences of such injury.

Keywords

AnatomyEar, MiddleChorda Tympani NerveOtologic Surgical Procedures
Type
Review Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 125 , Issue 11 , November 2011 , pp. 1101 - 1108
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2011

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