Superior maxillary nerve

Superior Maxillary Nerve

The superior maxillary nerve and its branches.

The Superior Maxillary Nerve or Maxillary Nerve (Latin: Nervus Maxillaris) is the second of three branches of the trigeminal nerve, the fifth cranial nerve. It is an intermediate branch that carries sensory information from the mid-face and upper jaw to the brain.

Anatomy

The superior maxillary nerve originates from the trigeminal ganglion and passes through the foramen rotundum to enter the pterygopalatine fossa. It gives off several branches including the zygomatic nerve, infraorbital nerve, posterior superior alveolar nerve, middle superior alveolar nerve, and anterior superior alveolar nerve.

The superior maxillary nerve and its branches.

Function

The superior maxillary nerve carries sensory information from the upper teeth, upper gum, upper lip, the skin of the cheek, lower eyelid, side of the nose, and the palate.

Clinical significance

Damage to the superior maxillary nerve can result in loss of sensation in these areas. It can also be involved in certain types of trigeminal neuralgia, a condition characterized by severe facial pain.

See also

• Trigeminal nerve
• Trigeminal ganglion
• Trigeminal neuralgia