Pterygoid nerve

Pterygoid Nerve

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Pterygoid nerve and its branches

The Pterygoid nerve is a branch of the mandibular nerve, which is itself a division of the trigeminal nerve. It is responsible for innervating the pterygoid muscles, which are involved in the complex process of mastication.

Anatomy

The pterygoid nerve branches off from the mandibular nerve in the infratemporal fossa. It then travels to the pterygoid muscles, where it provides motor innervation. The nerve is closely associated with the maxillary artery and pterygoid venous plexus.

Function

The pterygoid nerve is primarily a motor nerve. It innervates the lateral and medial pterygoid muscles, which are involved in the movements of the jaw during mastication. The lateral pterygoid muscle helps to open the jaw, while the medial pterygoid muscle assists in closing the jaw and moving it side to side.

Clinical significance

Damage to the pterygoid nerve can result in difficulty with mastication. This can be due to trauma, surgical complications, or conditions such as Bell's palsy or trigeminal neuralgia.

See also

• Mandibular nerve
• Trigeminal nerve
• Pterygoid muscles
• Mastication