Maxillary Nerve Flashcards

Study the maxillary nerve's sensory distribution, skull foramina, pterygopalatine connections, dental branches, and clinical anatomy.

Card 1 of 30Question

What is the numerical designation of the maxillary nerve?

The maxillary division (V2) of the trigeminal nerve, cranial nerve V.

In This Section

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

The maxillary division (V2) of the trigeminal nerve, cranial nerve V.

2. What is the functional classification of the maxillary nerve?

General somatic afferent (GSA), carrying sensory fibers without a motor component.

3. Where are the cell bodies of most primary sensory neurons of the maxillary nerve located?

In the trigeminal ganglion within Meckel's cave.

4. Through which skull opening does the maxillary nerve leave the middle cranial fossa?

The foramen rotundum of the sphenoid bone.

5. Which anatomical space does the maxillary nerve enter after passing through the foramen rotundum?

The pterygopalatine fossa.

6. Which major branch continues anteriorly from the maxillary nerve toward the orbit?

The infraorbital nerve.

7. Through which fissure does the infraorbital nerve enter the orbit?

The inferior orbital fissure.

8. Which bony structures transmit the infraorbital nerve along the orbital floor?

The infraorbital groove and infraorbital canal of the maxilla.

9. Through which opening does the infraorbital nerve emerge onto the face?

The infraorbital foramen of the maxilla.

10. Which facial regions receive cutaneous sensation from the terminal infraorbital nerve?

The lower eyelid, lateral nose, upper lip, and adjacent upper cheek.

11. Which branch of the maxillary nerve supplies sensation to the zygomatic region?

The zygomatic nerve, through its zygomaticofacial and zygomaticotemporal branches.

12. Which maxillary nerve branch conveys postganglionic parasympathetic fibers toward the lacrimal nerve?

The zygomatic nerve, particularly through its zygomaticotemporal branch and a communicating branch.

13. Which parasympathetic ganglion is anatomically associated with the maxillary nerve?

The pterygopalatine ganglion, suspended from V2 by ganglionic branches.

14. Do sensory fibers of the maxillary nerve synapse in the pterygopalatine ganglion?

No. They pass through the ganglion without synapsing.

15. Which cranial nerve provides the preganglionic parasympathetic fibers that synapse in the pterygopalatine ganglion?

The facial nerve (cranial nerve VII), through the greater petrosal nerve.

16. Which branch of V2 supplies general sensation to the posterior maxillary teeth?

The posterior superior alveolar nerve.

17. Which nerve supplies general sensation to the maxillary incisors and canine?

The anterior superior alveolar nerve, a branch of the infraorbital nerve.

18. Which nerve commonly supplies the maxillary premolars?

The middle superior alveolar nerve when present, with variable contributions from adjacent superior alveolar nerves.

19. What is the superior dental plexus?

A sensory nerve network formed by superior alveolar branches supplying the maxillary teeth and supporting tissues.

20. Which maxillary nerve branch supplies the mucosa of the maxillary sinus?

The superior alveolar nerves.

21. Which nerve supplies general sensation to the hard palate posterior to the incisive region?

The greater palatine nerve.

22. Which nerve supplies general sensation to the anterior hard palate immediately behind the maxillary incisors?

The nasopalatine nerve.

23. Through which opening does the nasopalatine nerve reach the anterior hard palate?

The incisive canal, emerging through the incisive foramen.

24. Which nerves supply general sensation to much of the soft palate?

The lesser palatine nerves.

25. Which branch of the maxillary nerve supplies sensory fibers to the nasopharyngeal mucosa?

The pharyngeal branch associated with the pterygopalatine ganglion.

26. Which branch of the maxillary nerve arises within the middle cranial fossa to supply the dura mater?

The meningeal branch of the maxillary nerve.

27. What sensory deficit can result from a complete unilateral maxillary nerve lesion?

Reduced or absent sensation over the ipsilateral midface, upper teeth, and associated nasal and palatal mucosa.

28. Why is the infraorbital nerve vulnerable during orbital floor fractures?

It travels in a groove and canal along the orbital floor, where fractures can compress or injure it.

29. Where is local anesthetic deposited during an infraorbital nerve block?

Near the infraorbital foramen to anesthetize the terminal infraorbital branches and, variably, superior alveolar branches.

30. Which trigeminal division is associated with the second sensory territory in the facial distribution of trigeminal neuralgia?

The maxillary division (V2), involving the cheek, upper jaw, and upper lip.