What is the maxillary nerve?

Sep 09, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Yang Jun

Introduction

The maxillary nerve is a branch of the trigeminal nerve. It transmits sensory and pain information from the upper teeth, jaw, nasal mucosa, tongue, and parts of the face to the central nervous system. The maxillary nerve originates in the gums, runs along the midfacial region, passes through the upper jaw and nasal cavity, and terminates in the upper lip and cheek. It conveys sensory signals to the brain and contributes to the control of chewing movements.

The maxillary nerve is a branch of the trigeminal nerve.

The maxillary nerve is the second of the three branches of the trigeminal nerve. It transmits sensory and pain information from the upper teeth, chin, nasal mucosa, tongue, and parts of the face to the central nervous system. The maxillary nerve originates in the gums, runs along the midfacial surface, passes through the upper jaw and nasal cavity, and terminates in the upper lip and cheek. It relays sensory information to the brain and contributes to the control of chewing movements. The maxillary nerve consists of afferent and efferent neuronal fibers. The efferent fibers primarily innervate four masticatory muscles and associated muscular tissues, such as the anterior belly of the digastric muscle, mylohyoid muscle, tensor veli palatini muscle, and tensor tympani muscle. The afferent fibers provide sensory innervation to the skin of the face and anterior scalp, nasal and oral mucosa, the anterior two-thirds of the tongue, part of the ear and external auditory canal, and part of the tympanic membrane.

Conditions commonly involving the maxillary nerve include trigeminal neuralgia, temporomandibular joint disorders, and facial nerve paralysis.

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Which three branches does the trigeminal nerve include?

The ophthalmic nerve refers to the region of the forehead above the eyelids and is the first branch of the trigeminal nerve, serving as a general somatic sensory nerve. The maxillary nerve refers to the area below the eyelids and above the lips; it is the second branch of the trigeminal nerve and a sensory nerve. The mandibular nerve refers to the region below the lips, is a mixed nerve, and constitutes the third and largest branch of the trigeminal nerve.

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What is the location of trigeminal neuralgia?

Under normal circumstances, trigeminal neuralgia primarily occurs within the distribution area of the trigeminal nerve, including the facial region, oral cavity, and part of the top of the head. Trigeminal neuralgia is a disorder involving severe pain in the face, typically affecting one side of the face. The trigeminal nerve consists of three major branches: the ophthalmic nerve, the maxillary nerve, and the mandibular nerve.