Mandibular Nerve Flashcards

Explore the mandibular nerve's sensory and motor branches, infratemporal course, muscular innervation, ganglionic connections, and clinical anatomy.

Card 1 of 30Question

What is the numerical designation of the mandibular nerve?

The mandibular division (V3) of the trigeminal nerve, cranial nerve V.

In This Section

1. What is the numerical designation of the mandibular nerve?

The mandibular division (V3) of the trigeminal nerve, cranial nerve V.

2. What distinguishes the mandibular nerve from the other trigeminal divisions?

It is the only trigeminal division containing both sensory and motor fibers.

3. Through which skull opening does the mandibular nerve pass?

The foramen ovale of the sphenoid bone.

4. In which anatomical space does the mandibular nerve emerge after leaving the cranial cavity?

The infratemporal fossa.

5. Where do the sensory and motor roots of the mandibular nerve unite?

Immediately inferior to the foramen ovale.

6. What are the two principal divisions of the mandibular nerve?

The anterior division and posterior division.

7. Which division of the mandibular nerve is predominantly motor?

The anterior division.

8. Which division of the mandibular nerve is predominantly sensory?

The posterior division.

9. Which branch arises directly from the main trunk of the mandibular nerve to supply the meninges?

The meningeal branch, also called the nervus spinosus.

10. Through which foramen does the meningeal branch of the mandibular nerve reenter the cranial cavity?

The foramen spinosum, accompanying the middle meningeal artery.

11. Which branch from the main trunk of V3 supplies the medial pterygoid muscle?

The nerve to the medial pterygoid.

12. Which two additional muscles receive motor fibers associated with the nerve to medial pterygoid?

The tensor tympani and tensor veli palatini muscles.

13. Which motor branches arise from the anterior division of the mandibular nerve?

The masseteric, deep temporal, and nerve to lateral pterygoid branches.

14. Which sensory branch typically arises from the anterior division of V3?

The buccal nerve, also called the long buccal nerve.

15. What structures receive sensory innervation from the buccal nerve?

The skin and mucosa of the cheek and the buccal gingiva near the mandibular molars.

16. What are the three principal branches of the posterior division of the mandibular nerve?

The auriculotemporal, lingual, and inferior alveolar nerves.

17. Which branch of V3 commonly forms two roots around the middle meningeal artery?

The auriculotemporal nerve.

18. Which regions receive cutaneous sensation from the auriculotemporal nerve?

The temporal scalp, anterior auricle, and part of the external acoustic meatus.

19. Which branch of V3 carries postganglionic parasympathetic fibers from the otic ganglion to the parotid gland?

The auriculotemporal nerve.

20. What type of sensation does the lingual nerve carry from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue?

General sensation, including touch, pain, and temperature.

21. Which facial nerve branch joins the lingual nerve in the infratemporal fossa?

The chorda tympani.

22. What fibers does the chorda tympani contribute to the lingual nerve?

Taste fibers from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue and preganglionic parasympathetic fibers.

23. Which parasympathetic ganglion is suspended from the lingual nerve?

The submandibular ganglion.

24. What is the relationship of the lingual nerve to the submandibular duct?

It loops inferior to the duct, passing from its lateral to its medial side.

25. Through which opening does the inferior alveolar nerve enter the mandible?

The mandibular foramen on the medial surface of the mandibular ramus.

26. Which structures receive sensory innervation from the inferior alveolar nerve within the mandibular canal?

The mandibular teeth through dental branches.

27. Which terminal branch of the inferior alveolar nerve exits through the mental foramen?

The mental nerve, supplying the lower lip and chin.

28. Which branch of the inferior alveolar nerve supplies the mylohyoid and anterior belly of digastric?

The nerve to mylohyoid, which branches before the inferior alveolar nerve enters the mandibular foramen.

29. What happens to the jaw during opening after a unilateral mandibular motor nerve lesion?

The jaw deviates toward the affected side due to weakness of the ipsilateral pterygoid muscles.

30. Where is local anesthetic typically deposited for an inferior alveolar nerve block?

Near the mandibular foramen in the pterygomandibular space, before the nerve enters the mandibular canal.