Mandibular nerve

Mandibular Nerve

The Mandibular Nerve is the largest of the three divisions of the Trigeminal Nerve, a cranial nerve responsible for sensation in the face and motor functions such as biting and chewing. It is the only division of the trigeminal that has both sensory and motor functions.

Anatomy

The mandibular nerve is formed by the union of sensory and motor roots. The sensory root originates from the Trigeminal Ganglion, while the motor root comes directly from the Pons, a part of the brainstem. The nerve passes through the Foramen Ovale to reach the infratemporal fossa.

Branches

The mandibular nerve gives off several branches, which include:

• Meningeal Branch
• Medial Pterygoid Nerve
• Masseteric Nerve
• Deep Temporal Nerves
• Lateral Pterygoid Nerve
• Buccal Nerve
• Auriculotemporal Nerve
• Lingual Nerve
• Inferior Alveolar Nerve

Clinical Significance

Damage to the mandibular nerve can result in loss of sensation or motor function in the lower face. This can be caused by trauma, surgery, or pathological conditions such as Trigeminal Neuralgia or Tumors.

See Also

• Trigeminal Nerve
• Cranial Nerves
• Trigeminal Neuralgia

References

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