Inferior alveolar nerve

Inferior Alveolar Nerve

The Inferior Alveolar Nerve (pronunciation: /ɪnˈfɪərɪər ælˈviːələr nɜːrv/) is a branch of the Mandibular nerve, the third division of the Trigeminal nerve, which is the fifth cranial nerve.

Etymology

The term "Inferior Alveolar Nerve" is derived from the Latin words 'inferior' meaning 'lower', 'alveolus' meaning 'small cavity', and 'nervus' meaning 'nerve'.

Anatomy

The Inferior Alveolar Nerve runs in the Mandibular canal within the mandible. It supplies sensation to the lower teeth and gingiva, the skin of the lower lip and chin, and the floor of the mouth. It also carries parasympathetic fibers to the Submandibular gland and Sublingual gland for salivation.

Branches

The Inferior Alveolar Nerve gives off several branches, including the Mental nerve and the Incisive nerve. The Mental nerve exits the mandibular canal through the mental foramen to supply the skin and mucous membrane of the lower lip and chin. The Incisive nerve continues forward in the mandible to supply the anterior teeth.

Clinical Significance

Damage to the Inferior Alveolar Nerve can result in Numbness or Paresthesia of the lower lip, chin, lower teeth, and gingiva. This can occur due to trauma, surgical procedures like Wisdom tooth extraction, or pathological conditions like Neuroma or Neuritis.

Related Terms

• Mandibular nerve
• Trigeminal nerve
• Mandibular canal
• Submandibular gland
• Sublingual gland
• Mental nerve
• Incisive nerve
• Numbness
• Paresthesia
• Wisdom tooth extraction
• Neuroma
• Neuritis

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Inferior alveolar nerve
• Wikipedia's article - Inferior alveolar nerve

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