Buccal nerve: Difference between revisions

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'''Buccal Nerve'''
{{Short description|Branch of the mandibular nerve}}


The '''buccal nerve''' is a significant branch of the [[mandibular nerve]], which itself is the third division of the [[trigeminal nerve]] or cranial nerve V (CN V). The trigeminal nerve is primarily responsible for sensation in the face and motor functions such as biting and chewing. The buccal nerve plays a crucial role in conveying sensory information from the skin over the buccal membrane (cheek) to the brain.
The '''buccal nerve''' is a sensory branch of the [[mandibular nerve]], which is itself a branch of the [[trigeminal nerve]] (cranial nerve V). It is responsible for providing sensory innervation to the skin over the [[buccinator muscle]] and the mucous membrane of the cheek.


==Anatomy==
==Anatomy==
The buccal nerve originates from the mandibular nerve, just before it exits the [[skull]] through the foramen ovale. It travels downward, passing between the two heads of the [[lateral pterygoid muscle]], and then runs forward in the cheek, beneath the [[masseter muscle]], to supply sensation to the skin over the buccal membrane.
The buccal nerve arises from the anterior division of the mandibular nerve. It travels anteriorly, passing between the two heads of the [[lateral pterygoid muscle]]. It then continues its course to the cheek, where it pierces the buccinator muscle to reach the mucous membrane of the cheek.


Unlike its name might suggest, the buccal nerve does not innervate the buccal mucosa; this area is innervated by the buccal branches of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve. Instead, the buccal nerve is responsible for sensory innervation to the skin of the cheek and the buccal (outer) surface of the [[gingiva]] (gums) adjacent to the second molar tooth.
[[File:Gray790.png|thumb|right|Diagram of the mandibular nerve, showing the buccal nerve.]]
 
===Course===
The buccal nerve begins its course in the infratemporal fossa, a space located below the base of the skull. It travels forward, passing between the two heads of the lateral pterygoid muscle. As it continues its path, it runs along the surface of the buccinator muscle, eventually piercing it to supply the mucous membrane of the cheek.
 
===Branches===
The buccal nerve does not have any significant branches. It is primarily a sensory nerve, providing sensation to the skin and mucous membrane of the cheek.


==Function==
==Function==
The primary function of the buccal nerve is sensory. It provides the sensation of touch, pain, and temperature to the skin of the cheek. This sensory information is crucial for protective reflexes, such as the blink reflex in response to an approaching object, and for the general sensation, contributing to experiences such as the feel of the wind on the face or the pressure of a dental drill during dental procedures.
The primary function of the buccal nerve is to provide sensory innervation. It supplies sensation to the skin over the buccinator muscle and the mucous membrane lining the inner surface of the cheek. This sensory input is important for the perception of touch, pain, and temperature in the cheek area.


==Clinical Significance==
[[File:Slide2pav.JPG|thumb|left|Dissection showing the buccal nerve.]]
Damage to the buccal nerve can result from various causes, including surgical procedures in the area, trauma, or pathological conditions such as tumors. Symptoms of buccal nerve damage may include numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in the affected cheek area. In some cases, patients may experience difficulty with chewing or an altered sensation when touching the face.


Diagnosis of buccal nerve damage typically involves a clinical examination and may include imaging studies such as [[MRI]] or [[CT scan]] to visualize the nerve and identify any potential causes of damage. Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the nerve damage and may range from conservative management, such as observation and pain management, to surgical intervention in cases where nerve repair or decompression is indicated.
==Clinical significance==
The buccal nerve is sometimes involved in dental procedures, particularly those involving the lower molars. Anesthesia of the buccal nerve may be required to ensure that the patient does not feel pain during such procedures. Damage to the buccal nerve can result in loss of sensation in the cheek area, which can affect the patient's ability to perceive touch and temperature changes.


==See Also==
==Related pages==
* [[Mandibular nerve]]
* [[Trigeminal nerve]]
* [[Trigeminal nerve]]
* [[Mandibular nerve]]
* [[Buccinator muscle]]
* [[Lateral pterygoid muscle]]
* [[Lateral pterygoid muscle]]
* [[Masseter muscle]]


[[Category:Nervous system]]
[[File:Gray784.png|thumb|right|The buccal nerve in relation to the mandibular nerve.]]
[[Category:Cranial nerves]]
 
[[Category:Anatomy]]
[[Category:Trigeminal nerve]]
<gallery>
[[Category:Mandibular nerve]]
File:Gray790.png
[[Category:Facial anatomy]]
File:Slide2pav.JPG
</gallery>
<gallery>
File:Gray784.png|Buccal nerve
File:Gray781.png|Buccal nerve
File:Gray790.png|Buccal nerve
File:Slide2pav.JPG|Buccal nerve
</gallery>

Latest revision as of 10:47, 23 March 2025

Branch of the mandibular nerve


The buccal nerve is a sensory branch of the mandibular nerve, which is itself a branch of the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V). It is responsible for providing sensory innervation to the skin over the buccinator muscle and the mucous membrane of the cheek.

Anatomy[edit]

The buccal nerve arises from the anterior division of the mandibular nerve. It travels anteriorly, passing between the two heads of the lateral pterygoid muscle. It then continues its course to the cheek, where it pierces the buccinator muscle to reach the mucous membrane of the cheek.

Diagram of the mandibular nerve, showing the buccal nerve.

Course[edit]

The buccal nerve begins its course in the infratemporal fossa, a space located below the base of the skull. It travels forward, passing between the two heads of the lateral pterygoid muscle. As it continues its path, it runs along the surface of the buccinator muscle, eventually piercing it to supply the mucous membrane of the cheek.

Branches[edit]

The buccal nerve does not have any significant branches. It is primarily a sensory nerve, providing sensation to the skin and mucous membrane of the cheek.

Function[edit]

The primary function of the buccal nerve is to provide sensory innervation. It supplies sensation to the skin over the buccinator muscle and the mucous membrane lining the inner surface of the cheek. This sensory input is important for the perception of touch, pain, and temperature in the cheek area.

Dissection showing the buccal nerve.

Clinical significance[edit]

The buccal nerve is sometimes involved in dental procedures, particularly those involving the lower molars. Anesthesia of the buccal nerve may be required to ensure that the patient does not feel pain during such procedures. Damage to the buccal nerve can result in loss of sensation in the cheek area, which can affect the patient's ability to perceive touch and temperature changes.

Related pages[edit]

The buccal nerve in relation to the mandibular nerve.