After removal of parotid gland, patient is having sweating on the cheeks while eating. In this complication seen after parotidectomy, the auriculotemporal nerve which contains parasympathetic secretomotor fibers to parotid gland is fused with which nerve?
**Core Concept**
The underlying principle being tested is the understanding of the **auriculotemporal nerve** and its role in parotid gland function, as well as the consequences of parotidectomy. The **auriculotemporal nerve** carries **parasympathetic secretomotor fibers** that stimulate saliva production in the parotid gland.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer involves the **auriculotemporal nerve** fusing with the **sympathetic nerves** of the sweat glands of the face, specifically the **facial nerve** or its branches, but more accurately, it's about the aberrant regeneration of nerve fibers. After parotidectomy, if the **auriculotemporal nerve** is damaged, its **parasympathetic fibers** can aberrantly regenerate into the overlying **sympathetic nerves** that control sweating, leading to **gustatory sweating** or **Frey's syndrome**.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This choice is not provided, so we cannot assess its accuracy.
**Option B:** This choice is not provided, so we cannot assess its accuracy.
**Option C:** This choice is not provided, so we cannot assess its accuracy.
**Option D:** This choice is not provided, so we cannot assess its accuracy.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that **Frey's syndrome** is a complication of parotid gland surgery, characterized by **gustatory sweating** and **flushing** of the skin in the area of the face innervated by the **auriculotemporal nerve**. This occurs due to aberrant regeneration of **parasympathetic nerve fibers** into **sympathetic nerves**.
**Correct Answer:** Correct Answer: D. sympathetic nerves of the face, but the question options are missing.