Anatomy of Maxillary and Mandibular Nerves

Questions and Answers

What is the origin of the maxillary nerve?

It originates from the cervical plexus.

It arises from the trigeminal ganglion in the brainstem.

It is the second division of the trigeminal nerve. (correct)

It is the first division of the trigeminal nerve.

Which of the following correctly describes the course of the maxillary nerve?

It runs forward in the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus. (correct)

It directly supplies motor innervation to the jaw muscles.

It enters the orbit through the foramen rotundum.

It passes through the foramen ovale to reach the infratemporal fossa.

Which nerve primarily supplies the upper two premolars?

Middle superior alveolar nerve (correct)

Anterior superior alveolar nerve

Palpebral branch

Nerve to medial pterygoid

What are the two roots of the mandibular nerve responsible for?

Motor and sensory functions Signup and view all the answers

Which nerve is NOT a branch of the maxillary nerve in the infratemporal fossa?

Anterior superior alveolar nerve Signup and view all the answers

What supplies the dura mater of the middle cranial fossa?

Meningeal branch of the maxillary nerve Signup and view all the answers

Which branch supplies the lower eyelid?

Palpebral branch Signup and view all the answers

Where does the mandibular nerve exit the cranial cavity?

Foramen ovale Signup and view all the answers

Which structure does the maxillary nerve enter through to access the orbit?

Inferior orbital fissure Signup and view all the answers

What does the nervus spinosus primarily supply?

Dura mater of the middle cranial fossa Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Overview of Cranial Nerve V (Trigeminal Nerve)

The fifth cranial nerve, trigeminal, consists of large sensory and small motor roots, making it a mixed nerve.
The sensory root contains a trigeminal ganglion and has three main branches:
- Ophthalmic nerve (CN V1)
- Maxillary nerve (CN V2)
- Mandibular nerve (CN V3)

Anatomy of the Maxillary Nerve (CN V2)

Origin: Second division of the trigeminal nerve, pure sensory; arises from the trigeminal ganglion in the middle cranial fossa.
Course:
- Travels forward in the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus.
- Passes through the foramen rotundum into the pterygopalatine fossa.
- Continues through the pterygomaxillary fissure into the infratemporal fossa and through the inferior orbital fissure into the orbit as the infraorbital nerve.
Termination: Infraorbital nerve runs forward on the orbital floor, exiting via the infraorbital foramen to supply sensation to the face.

Branches of the Maxillary Nerve

In the cranial cavity:
- Meningeal branch supplies dura mater of the middle cranial fossa.
In the pterygopalatine fossa:
- Ganglionic branches provide roots to the pterygopalatine ganglion.
In the infratemporal fossa:
- Zygomatic nerve: Enters the orbit and divides into zygomaticofacial and zygomaticotemporal branches for the face and temporal fossa.
- Posterior superior alveolar nerve: Supplies upper molar teeth through the maxilla.
Branches of the infraorbital nerve:
- Middle superior alveolar nerve: Supplies upper two premolars.
- Anterior superior alveolar nerve: Supplies canine and incisors.
- Facial branches:
  - Palpebral branch: Lower eyelid.
  - Nasal branch: Side of the nose.
  - Labial branch: Upper lip.

Anatomy of the Mandibular Nerve (CN V3)

Origin: Third division of the trigeminal nerve, formed by a large sensory root and a small motor root.
Course:
- Both roots leave the cranial cavity through the foramen ovale, uniting to form the main trunk which descends in the infratemporal fossa.
Termination: Divides into anterior (smaller) and posterior (larger) divisions beneath the lateral pterygoid muscle.

Branches of the Mandibular Nerve

From the trunk:
- Nervus spinosus: Enters cranial cavity, supplies dura mater.
- Nerve to medial pterygoid: Supplies medial pterygoid muscle, tensor palati, and tensor tympani.
From the anterior division:
- Nerve to lateral pterygoid: Supplies lateral pterygoid muscles.
- Deep temporal nerves: Supplies temporalis muscle.
- Nerve to masseter: Supplies masseter muscle.
- Buccal nerve: Sensory nerve supplying skin and mucous membrane of the cheek.
From the posterior division:
- Auriculo-temporal nerve: Supplies sensory to the temporal region, auricle, external auditory canal, and parotid gland; carries autonomic fibers to parotid gland.
- Lingual nerve: Provides sensation to anterior 2/3 of the tongue and floor of mouth; joins with chorda tympani for taste sensation.
- Inferior alveolar nerve: Supplies lower jaw teeth, enters mandibular foramen, and branches into incisive and mental nerves.

Inferior Alveolar Nerve Details

Courses: Descends to the mandibular foramen and travels in the mandibular canal.
Mylohyoid branch: Supplies mylohyoid muscle and anterior digastric muscle.
Dental branches: Supply molar and premolar teeth posterior to the canine.

Description

This quiz focuses on the anatomy of the maxillary and mandibular nerves, highlighting their roles in the trigeminal nerve system. Students will learn about the sensory and motor functions of these important cranial nerves. By engaging with the quiz, learners will deepen their understanding of anatomical structures related to the neck.