Trigeminal Nerve And Its Divisons

Question 1

Close to the TMJ, the mandibular nerve (CNV2) gives off a branch. What is this nerve called and what is its function? What artery passes through a loop in this nerve?

Answer 1

Auriculotemporal nerve
Supplies sensation to the joint
Middle meningeal artery

Question 2

The trigeminal ganglion is located in the middle cranial fossa within the trigeminal cave. It then gives off three branches. What are these and where do they travel?

Answer 2

CNV1 ophthlamic division - superior orbital fissure
CNV2 maxillary division - foramen rotundum
CNV3 mandibular division - foramen ovale

Question 3

Once the CNV1 passes through the superior orbital fissure, it gives off a major branch which lies on the superior surface of the orbit. Which nerve is this, and what are it’s two terminal branches? What do they supply?

Answer 3

frontal nerve
supratrochlear n. - skin of lower part of forehead, upper eyelid, conjunctiva
supraorbital n. - palpebral part of upper eyelid, conjunctiva, frontal sinus, skin of forehead to the middle of scalp

Question 4

CNV2 will enter the pterygopalatine fossa after it has left the foramen rotundum. Which branches does it give off here?

Answer 4

nasopalatine and nasal nerves -> sphenopalatine foramen
pharyngeal branch
zygomatic n. -> inferior orbital fissure
infraorbital n. -> infraorbital canal
greater palatine n. and lesser palatine nerves
posterior superior alveolar n.
middle superior alveolar n.

Question 5

Once inside the infraorbital canal, the infraorbital n. gives off another branch. What is this?

Answer 5

anterior superior alveolar n.

Question 6

The infraorbital n. then exits the skull via the infraorbital foramen. What are the three terminal branches?

Answer 6

nasal, palpebral and labial nerves

Question 7

When CNV3 leaves the foramen ovale, a branch immediately comes off of the main trunk. What is this?

Answer 7

branch to medial pterygoid m.

Question 8

CNV3 then divides into anterior and posterior divisions. What are the three branches of this and the final terminal branch?

Answer 8

nerve to masseter
deep temporal nerves
branch to lateral pterygoid
(long) buccal nerve

Question 9

The posterior division of CNV3 gives off a nerve in which the middle meningeal a. travels through a loop of. What is this?

Answer 9

auriculotemporal nerve

Question 10

CNV3 posterior division then gives off two main branches. What are these? A small nerve is also given off of one of these, name it.

Answer 10

lingual n.
inferior alveolar n.
small nerve branching off inferior alveolar n. is n. to mylohyoid (and ant. belly of digastric)