What is the functional division of the trigeminal ganglion?

Mar 17, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Zhiqin
Introduction
The functional divisions of the trigeminal ganglion include the ophthalmic, maxillary, and mandibular branches. If experiencing facial pain, numbness, or other abnormal sensations, prompt medical consultation and detailed examination are recommended. The ophthalmic branch primarily handles sensory functions of the eye and forehead regions, including areas such as the forehead, eyeball, upper eyelid, and bridge of the nose. This branch transmits sensory information, including touch, pain, and temperature sensations, from these regions.

  The functional divisions of the trigeminal ganglion include the ophthalmic, maxillary, and mandibular branches. If there are any concerns, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

  1. Ophthalmic branch: The ophthalmic branch is mainly responsible for sensory functions in the eye and forehead regions, including areas such as the forehead, eyeball, upper eyelid, and bridge of the nose. This branch transmits sensory information, including touch, pain, and temperature sensations, from these regions.

  2. Maxillary branch: The maxillary branch is responsible for sensation in the maxillary region, including the upper lip, upper gums, palate, nasal alae, and certain areas of the cheek. This branch conveys sensory information, including touch, pain, and temperature sensations, from these areas.

  3. Mandibular branch: The mandibular branch not only handles sensory functions in the mandibular region but also controls the motor functions of the masticatory muscles. The sensory component includes the lower lip, lower gums, lower jaw, and parts of the ear-temporal region; the motor component controls muscles involved in chewing, such as the masseter and temporalis muscles.

  If experiencing facial pain, numbness, or other abnormal sensations, prompt medical evaluation and detailed examination are advised. Doctors will formulate appropriate treatment plans based on symptoms, clinical signs, imaging studies, and other diagnostic tests.

  [References]

  [1] Li Lin. Study on the correlation between Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) activation in the trigeminal ganglion and trigeminal neuralgia [D]. Hebei University, 2024.

  [2] Yang Jilei, Wen Xiaoxia, Wang Wenli, et al. Advances in diagnosis and treatment of trigeminal neuralgia [J]. Chinese Journal of Pain Medicine, 2023, 29(03): 201-206.