Correct answer: Chorda tympani nerve Preganglionic parasympathetic fibers arise in the **superior salivatory nucleus** in the pons. They travel through the **facial nerve** and enter the **chorda tympani**, which joins the **lingual nerve** in the infratemporal fossa. These fibers synapse in the **submandibular ganglion**, and postganglionic fibers supply the **submandibular and sublingual glands**. Glossopharyngeal nerve → parasympathetic supply to the **parotid gland** via the otic ganglion. Auriculotemporal nerve → carries **postganglionic fibers** from the otic ganglion to the parotid gland. Greater petrosal nerve → parasympathetic supply to the **lacrimal gland**. Submandibular gland produces nearly **70% of resting salivary secretion**.

Correct answer: Upper second molar The **parotid duct (Stensen duct)** crosses the masseter muscle and pierces the buccinator to open in the oral cavity opposite the **upper second molar tooth**. Other molars do not correspond to the anatomical opening of the parotid duct. Parotid duct obstruction may cause **painful swelling during meals**.

Correct answer: Pleomorphic adenoma Pleomorphic adenoma is the **most common salivary gland tumor** and accounts for approximately **60% of parotid tumors**. Warthin tumor → second most common benign tumor. Basal cell adenoma → rare tumor. Oncocytoma → uncommon tumor. Pleomorphic adenoma may undergo **malignant transformation** to carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma.

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