Superior ganglion of vagus nerve explained

Superior ganglion of vagus nerve
Latin:	ganglion superius nervi vagi, ganglion jugulare
Innervates:	Dura mater of posterior cranial fossa, parts of the auricle, external auditory canal and external surface of tympanic membrane
Branchfrom:	Vagus nerve
Branchto:	Auricular branch of vagus nerve or meningeal branch of vagus nerve

The superior ganglion of the vagus nerve (jugular ganglion) is a sensory ganglion of the peripheral nervous system. It is located within the jugular foramen, where the vagus nerve exits the skull. It is smaller than and proximal to the inferior ganglion of the vagus nerve.^{[1] [2]}

Structure

The neurons in the superior ganglion of the vagus nerve are pseudounipolar and provide sensory innervation (general somatic afferent) through either the auricular or meningeal branch. The axons of these neurons synapse in the spinal trigeminal nucleus of the brainstem. Peripherally, the neurons found in the superior ganglion form two branches, the auricular and meningeal branch.

Function

Auricular branch of the vagus nerve

See main article: auricular branch of vagus nerve. The superior ganglion contains neurons which innervate the concha of the auricle,^[3] the posteroinferior surface of the external auditory canal and posteroinferior surface of the tympanic membrane all via the auricular branch of the vagus nerve.^[4]

Meningeal branch of the vagus nerve

See main article: meningeal branch of vagus nerve. The superior ganglion contains neurons which innervate some of the dura mater lining the posterior cranial fossa via the meningeal branch of the vagus nerve.^{[5] [6]}

Development

The neurons in the superior ganglion of the vagus nerve are embryonically derived from the neural crest.^[7]

Clinical significance

Vagal neuralgia

Pain in the external auditory canal (otalgia) can in rare cases be due to vagal neuralgia because of vascular compression of the vagus nerve (often by the posterior inferior cerebellar artery). The affected neurons are found in the superior ganglion and innervate the ear via the auricular branch of the vagus. The condition is treated by microvascular decompression of the vagus nerve where it exits the brainstem.^[8]

References

1. Book: Rubin, Michael. Netter's Concise Neuroanatomy. Elsevier. Safdieh, Joseph E.,, Netter, Frank H. (Frank Henry), 1906-1991. 2016. 9780323480918. Updated 1st. Philadelphia, PA. 259–260. 946698976.
2. Book: Burt, Alvin M.. Textbook of Neuroanatomy. W.B. Saunders. 1993. 0721621996. 1st. Philadelphia. 423-427. 24503849.
3. Mercante B, Ginatempo F, Manca A, Melis F, Enrico P, Deriu F . Anatomo-Physiologic Basis for Auricular Stimulation . Medical Acupuncture . 30 . 3 . 141–150 . June 2018 . 29937968 . 6011382 . 10.1089/acu.2017.1254 .
4. Tekdemir I, Aslan A, Elhan A . A clinico-anatomic study of the auricular branch of the vagus nerve and Arnold's ear-cough reflex . Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy . 20 . 4 . 253–7 . 1998 . 9787391 .
5. Kemp WJ, Tubbs RS, Cohen-Gadol AA . The innervation of the cranial dura mater: neurosurgical case correlates and a review of the literature . World Neurosurgery . 78 . 5 . 505–10 . November 2012 . 22120554 . 10.1016/j.wneu.2011.10.045 .
6. Keller JT, Saunders MC, Beduk A, Jollis JG . Innervation of the posterior fossa dura of the cat . Brain Research Bulletin . 14 . 1 . 97–102 . January 1985 . 3872702 . 10.1016/0361-9230(85)90181-9 . 4763767 .
7. Thompson H, Blentic A, Watson S, Begbie J, Graham A . The formation of the superior and jugular ganglia: insights into the generation of sensory neurons by the neural crest . Developmental Dynamics . 239 . 2 . 439–45 . February 2010 . 20014097 . 10.1002/dvdy.22179 . free .
8. Watanabe. Kentaro. Tubbs. R. Shane. Satoh. Shunsuke. Zomorodi. Ali R.. Liedtke. Wolfgang. Labidi. Moujahed. Friedman. Allan H.. Fukushima. Takanori. December 2016. Isolated Deep Ear Canal Pain: Possible Role of Auricular Branch of Vagus Nerve-Case Illustrations with Cadaveric Correlation. World Neurosurgery. 96. 293–301. 10.1016/j.wneu.2016.08.102. 1878-8769. 27593717.