Cranial nerve V

Cranial Nerve V

Cranial Nerve V, also known as the Trigeminal Nerve

The Cranial Nerve V, also known as the Trigeminal Nerve, is the fifth paired cranial nerve in the human body. It is responsible for sensory data such as tactition (pressure), thermoception (temperature), and nociception (pain) in the facial and mouth area, as well as motor functions for biting and chewing.

Anatomy

The Trigeminal Nerve is the largest of the cranial nerves. It is divided into three branches: the ophthalmic nerve (V1), the maxillary nerve (V2), and the mandibular nerve (V3). Each of these branches has a different sensory function.

Branches of the Trigeminal Nerve

Ophthalmic Nerve

The Ophthalmic Nerve (V1) is responsible for conveying sensory information from the scalp and forehead, the upper eyelid, the conjunctiva and cornea of the eye, the nose (including the tip of the nose, except alae nasi), the nasal mucosa, the frontal sinuses and parts of the meninges (the dura and blood vessels).

Maxillary Nerve

The Maxillary Nerve (V2) conveys sensory information from the lower eyelid and cheek, the nares and upper lip, the upper teeth and gums, the nasal mucosa, the palate and roof of the pharynx, the maxillary, ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses and parts of the meninges.

Mandibular Nerve

The Mandibular Nerve (V3) conveys sensory information from the lower lip, the lower teeth and gums, the chin and jaw (except the angle of the jaw, which is supplied by C2-C3), parts of the external ear, and parts of the meninges. Motor function (via the mandibular nerve) controls movement of eight muscles, including the four muscles of mastication.

Clinical Significance

Dysfunction of the Trigeminal Nerve results in Trigeminal Neuralgia, a condition characterized by severe facial pain. Other conditions associated with the Trigeminal Nerve include Trigeminal Neuropathy, Trigeminal Trophic Syndrome, and Trigeminal Zoster.

See Also

• Cranial Nerves
• Trigeminal Nerve Lesions
• Trigeminal Neuralgia