INBDE (Integrated National Board Dental Examination) Practice Exam

What produces submandibular and sublingual secretions?

1. SNS via CN V

2. SNS via CN IX

3. PSNS via CN VII

4. PSNS via CN X

The correct answer is: PSNS via CN VII

Submandibular and sublingual secretions are predominantly controlled by the parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS) via the facial nerve (CN VII). The PSNS stimulates salivary gland secretion through the release of acetylcholine, which results in the production of watery, enzyme-rich saliva from these glands. Therefore, option C, PSNS via CN VII, is the correct answer. The other options are incorrect because: - Option A (SNS via CN V) is incorrect because the trigeminal nerve (CN V) is not primarily responsible for controlling the secretions of submandibular and sublingual glands. - Option B (SNS via CN IX) is incorrect because the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) does not control the secretions of these specific salivary glands. - Option D (PSNS via CN X) is incorrect as well because the vagus nerve (CN X) does not directly innervate the submandibular and sublingual glands for saliva production.