Maxillary and Mandibular Trigeminal Nerve Quiz (ODS Learning Outcomes)

The maxillary branch (V2) of the trigeminal nerve is responsible for sensory information from the middle part of the face.

The maxillary branch (V2) travels through the pterygomaxillary fissure, a space between the maxilla and sphenoid bones.

The maxillary branch (V2) of the trigeminal nerve supplies the maxillary teeth and their supporting structures, including the gums and periodontal ligaments.

The maxillary branch (V2) of the trigeminal nerve carries sensory information from the hard and soft palate.

The maxillary branch (V2) of the trigeminal nerve supplies the maxillary sinus, an air-filled cavity in the maxilla.

The maxillary branch (V2) of the trigeminal nerve supplies a portion of the nasal cavity.

The maxillary branch (V2) of the trigeminal nerve carries sensory information from the skin overlying the middle part of the face.

The mandibular branch (V3) of the trigeminal nerve has both sensory and motor roots.

The sensory root of the mandibular branch (V3) supplies the maxillary and mandibular teeth, the skin of the face and head, the oral mucosa, the nasal mucosa, the air sinuses, and the meninges.

The motor root of the mandibular branch (V3) supplies the muscles of mastication, including the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoids, which control chewing.

The maxillary branch of the trigeminal nerve (CN V2) is crucial for dentistry because it innervates the maxillary teeth and their supporting structures, including the gingiva, palate, and maxillary sinus. Understanding its anatomy is vital for administering local anesthesia effectively and avoiding sensory complications during dental procedures.

The greater palatine nerve provides sensory innervation to a significant portion of the hard palate and palatal gingivae, making it a primary target for anesthesia during dental procedures involving the posterior maxillary teeth.

The nasopalatine nerve provides sensory innervation to the incisive papilla and surrounding oral mucosa in the anterior hard palate. This nerve is often blocked during dental procedures involving the anterior maxillary teeth.

The terminal branches of the maxillary nerve, including the palpebral, nasal, and labial nerves, provide sensory innervation to the skin and mucosa of the lower eyelid, side of the nose, upper lip, and labial gingivae. Understanding their anatomy is crucial for local anesthesia during dental procedures involving the anterior maxillary teeth.

The mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve (CN V3) is responsible for controlling the muscles of mastication, which are involved in chewing, as well as providing sensory innervation to the mandibular teeth, tongue, and lower face.

The medial pterygoid muscle is responsible for elevating the jaw, and its nerve supply is provided by the medial pterygoid nerve. This nerve is also responsible for supplying the tensor tympani and tensor veli palatini muscles.

The masseter muscle is a powerful elevator of the jaw, responsible for closing the mouth. Its nerve supply is provided by the masseteric nerve, which also provides an articular branch to the temporomandibular joint.

The temporalis muscle plays a significant role in elevating the jaw during chewing. It is supplied by the anterior and deep temporal nerves.

The lateral pterygoid muscle is responsible for opening the mouth, and its nerve supply is provided by the nerve to the lateral pterygoid. This nerve often runs with the long buccal nerve.

The inferior alveolar nerve is a primary nerve associated with dental procedures, supplying the mandibular molars, premolars, and their supporting structures. Understanding its anatomy is crucial for administering local anesthesia effectively.