Otic vesicle constricts to form the canalis reuniens. The central part of the otic vesicle represents the membranous vestibule, and is subdivided by a constriction into a smaller ventral part, the saccule, and a larger dorsal and posterior part, the utricle. The dorsal component of the inner ear also consists of what will become the semicircular canals. The utricle and saccule communicate with each other by means of a Y-shaped canal. The FGF, Bmp, Wnt and Pax genes are likely to be involved in otic induction. FGF and BMP signals help control patterning in the early otic vesicle. Fgf3 and Fgf10 are
Otic ganglion Otic ganglion The otic ganglion is a small parasympathetic ganglion located immediately below the foramen ovale in the infratemporal fossa and on the medial surface of the mandibular nerve. It is functionally associated with the glossopharyngeal nerve and innervates the parotid gland for salivation. It is one of four parasympathetic ganglia of the head and neck. The others are the ciliary ganglion, the submandibular ganglion and the pterygopalatine ganglion. The otic ganglion is a small (2–3 mm), oval shaped, flattened parasympathetic ganglion of a reddish-grey color, located immediately below the foramen ovale in the infratemporal fossa and on the medial