In neuroanatomy, the mandibular nerve (V3) is the largest of the three divisions of the trigeminal nerve, the fifth cranial nerve (CN V). Unlike the other divisions of the trigeminal nerve (ophthalmic nerve, maxillary nerve) which contain only afferent fibers, the mandibular nerve contains both afferent and efferent fibers. These nerve fibers innervate structures of the lower jaw and face, such as the tongue, lower lip, and chin. The mandibular nerve also innervates the muscles of mastication.[1]

Mandibular nerve
Mandibular division of trigeminal nerve, seen from the middle line. The small figure is an enlarged view of the otic ganglion.
Details
FromTrigeminal nerve (CN V)
Identifiers
Latinnervus mandibularis
MeSHD008340
TA98A14.2.01.064
TA26246
FMA52996
Anatomical terms of neuroanatomy

Structure edit

Course edit

The large sensory root of mandibular nerve emerges from the lateral part of the trigeminal ganglion and exits the cranial cavity through the foramen ovale. The motor root (Latin: radix motoria s. portio minor), the small motor root of the trigeminal nerve, passes under the trigeminal ganglion and through the foramen ovale to unite with the sensory root just outside the skull.[2][better source needed]

The mandibular nerve immediately passes between tensor veli palatini, which is medial, and lateral pterygoid, which is lateral, and gives off a meningeal branch (nervus spinosus) and the nerve to medial pterygoid from its medial side. The nerve then divides into a small anterior division and a large posterior division.

Branches edit

The mandibular nerve gives off the following branches:

Distribution edit

Anterior Division

(Motor Innervation - Muscles of mastication)

(Sensory Innervation)


Posterior Division

Lingual Split
(general sensory innervation (not special sensory for taste))

Inferior Alveolar Split
(Motor Innervation)

(Sensory Innervation)

Auriculotemporal Split

See also edit

Additional images edit

References edit

  1. ^ Rodella, L.F.; Buffoli, B.; Labanca, M.; Rezzani, R. (April 2012). "A review of the mandibular and maxillary nerve supplies and their clinical relevance". Archives of Oral Biology. 57 (4): 323–334. doi:10.1016/j.archoralbio.2011.09.007. ISSN 0003-9969. PMID 21996489.
  2. ^ Burchiel, K J (November 1, 2003). "A New Classification for Facial Pain". Neurosurgery. 53 (5): 1164–1167. doi:10.1227/01.NEU.0000088806.11659.D8. PMID 14580284. S2CID 33538452.

External links edit