Lingual nerve

Lingual Nerve

The Lingual Nerve is a branch of the mandibular nerve (the third division of the trigeminal nerve), which supplies general sensory innervation to the anterior two-thirds of the tongue. It is a key component of the oral cavity's sensory and motor system.

Anatomy

The lingual nerve originates from the mandibular nerve near the mandibular foramen. It travels anteriorly and medially, passing between the medial pterygoid muscle and the mandibular ramus. It then runs beneath the mucous membrane of the mouth floor and continues forward to the tongue.

Function

The lingual nerve provides general sensory innervation to the anterior two-thirds of the tongue, including touch, temperature, and pain sensations. It also carries taste fibers from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue via the chorda tympani nerve, a branch of the facial nerve.

Clinical Significance

Damage to the lingual nerve can result in lingual nerve injury, which can cause numbness, pain, or altered sensation in the tongue. This can affect speech, eating, and taste. Lingual nerve injury is a potential complication of dental procedures, particularly lower third molar (wisdom tooth) extraction.

See Also

• Mandibular nerve
• Trigeminal nerve
• Chorda tympani
• Facial nerve
• Lingual nerve injury

References

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