Trigeminal ganglion

Trigeminal ganglion

The Trigeminal ganglion (also known as the Gasserian ganglion, or the semilunar ganglion) is a sensory ganglion of the trigeminal nerve (CN V) that occupies a cavity (Meckel's cave) in the dura mater, covering the trigeminal impression near the apex of the petrous part of the temporal bone.

Structure

The trigeminal ganglion is analogous to the dorsal root ganglia of the spinal cord, which contain the cell bodies of incoming sensory fibers from the rest of the body. The ganglion contains the cell bodies of incoming sensory-nerve fibers. These sensory fibers form the three divisions of the trigeminal nerve: the ophthalmic nerve (V1), the maxillary nerve (V2), and the mandibular nerve (V3).

Function

The trigeminal ganglion conveys sensory information from the face and body to the brain. It is responsible for the sensation of touch, temperature, and pain from the face, mouth, and anterior two-thirds of the tongue.

Clinical significance

The trigeminal ganglion may be involved in several neurological disorders, including trigeminal neuralgia, migraine, and herpes zoster. In trigeminal neuralgia, the function of the ganglion is disrupted, leading to severe facial pain. In herpes zoster, the virus may lie dormant in the ganglion, reactivating later to cause shingles.

See also

• Trigeminal nerve
• Trigeminal neuralgia
• Herpes zoster

References

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External links

• Medcyclopaedia - Trigeminal ganglion

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