Deep petrosal nerve

The deep petrosal nerve (large deep petrosal nerve) is given off from the internal carotid plexus, and runs through the carotid canal lateral to the internal carotid artery.

It then enters the cartilaginous substance which fills the foramen lacerum, and joins with the greater superficial petrosal nerve to form the nerve of the pterygoid canal, also known as the Vidian nerve.

It carries postsynaptic sympathetic nerve fibers to the pterygopalatine ganglion, also known as the sphenopalatine ganglion.

These fibers innervate blood vessels and mucous glands of the head and neck.