Buccal nerve

Buccal 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.

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.

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.

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.

Clinical Significance

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.

See Also

• Trigeminal nerve
• Mandibular nerve
• Lateral pterygoid muscle
• Masseter muscle