vidian nerve


nerve of pter·y·goid ca·nal

[TA] the nerve constituting the parasympathetic and sympathetic root of the pterygopalatine ganglion; it is formed in the region of the foramen lacerum by the union of the greater and deep petrosal nerves and runs through the pterygoid canal to the pterygopalatine fossa. Synonym(s): nervus canalis pterygoidei [TA], facial root, radix facialis, vidian nerve

vidian nerve

A short efferent nerve formed from the merger of the deep petrosal and greater petrosal nerves. The vidian nerve carries postganglionic sympathetic axons from the superior cervical ganglion and preganglionic parasympathetic axons from the superior salivatory nucleus (in the pons); it also carries taste axons from the palate. The vidian nerve exits the skull through the pterygoid (vidian) canal and connects to the pterygopalatine ganglion inside pterygopalatine fossa. Synonym: nerve of the pterygoid canalSee also: nerve

Vidius,

Guidi (Guido), Italian anatomist and physician, 1500-1569. vidian artery - Synonym(s): artery of pterygoid canalvidian canal - an opening through the base of the medial pterygoid process of the sphenoid bone through which pass the artery, vein, and nerve of the pterygoid canal. Synonym(s): pterygoid canalvidian nerve - the nerve constituting the parasympathetic and sympathetic root of the pterygopalatine ganglion. Synonym(s): nerve of pterygoid canalvidian vein - a vein accompanying the nerve and artery through the pterygoid canal and emptying into the pharyngeal venous plexus. Synonym(s): vein of pterygoid canal