 These fibers reach the geniculate ganglion but do not synapse.Some of these preganglionic parasympathetic fibers persist within the greater petrosal nerve as they exit the geniculate ganglion and subsequently synapse with neurons in the pterygopalatine ganglion.These postganglionic neurons send axons that provide parasympathetic innervation to the lacrimal gland via a communicating branch from zygomatic nerve to lacrimal nerve of CN V.

The remaining preganglionic fibers continue as the mixed facial nerve proper as it extends through the facial canal.