Nervus trigeminus

Nervus Trigeminus or the Trigeminal Nerve is the largest of the 12 cranial nerves. It is the fifth cranial nerve, also known as CN V, and is primarily responsible for sensation in the face and motor functions such as biting and chewing.

Anatomy

The Trigeminal Nerve is divided into three major branches: the Ophthalmic Nerve (V1), the Maxillary Nerve (V2), and the Mandibular Nerve (V3). Each of these branches has a different sensory function related to the areas of the face they innervate.

Ophthalmic Nerve

The Ophthalmic Nerve is the first branch of the Trigeminal Nerve. It provides sensory innervation to the upper part of the face, including the forehead, scalp, and upper eyelid.

Maxillary Nerve

The Maxillary Nerve is the second branch of the Trigeminal Nerve. It provides sensory innervation to the mid-face, upper lip, and upper teeth.

Mandibular Nerve

The Mandibular Nerve is the third and largest branch of the Trigeminal Nerve. It provides sensory innervation to the lower face, lower lip, lower teeth, and tongue. In addition, it also provides motor innervation for mastication (chewing).

Clinical Significance

The Trigeminal Nerve can be affected by various conditions, including Trigeminal Neuralgia, a chronic pain condition that affects the Trigeminal Nerve. This condition is characterized by intense, stabbing, electric shock-like pain in the areas of the face where the branches of the nerve are distributed.

See Also

• Cranial Nerves
• Trigeminal Neuralgia
• Ophthalmic Nerve
• Maxillary Nerve
• Mandibular Nerve