Mandibular

The mandibular nerve is one of the three main divisions of the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V). It is the largest of the three divisions and is responsible for providing sensory and motor innervation to the lower jaw, lower teeth, and certain muscles involved in chewing. Anatomy and Course: The mandibular nerve emerges from the trigeminal ganglion, which is located within the middle cranial fossa of the skull. It passes through the foramen ovale, a bony opening in the skull, and enters the infratemporal fossa, a space located below the skull. Within the infratemporal fossa, the mandibular nerve gives rise to several branches that innervate different regions of the face and jaw. Sensory Function: The mandibular nerve carries sensory information from the lower jaw, lower teeth, chin, and parts of the face. It provides sensory innervation to the skin of the lower jaw, lower lip, and chin region. The mandibular nerve also supplies sensory fibers to the lower teeth and gums. It contributes to the sense of touch, pain, temperature, and proprioception in these areas. Motor Function: The mandibular nerve also carries motor fibers that innervate certain muscles involved in chewing (mastication). It supplies motor innervation to the muscles of mastication, including the masseter muscle, temporalis muscle, medial pterygoid muscle, and lateral pterygoid muscle. These muscles work together to move the jaw, enabling actions like biting, chewing, and grinding food. Clinical Importance: Dysfunction or damage to the mandibular nerve can lead to various conditions affecting sensation and motor function in the face and jaw. Trigeminal neuralgia, a condition characterized by severe facial pain, can affect the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve. Other potential causes of mandibular nerve dysfunction include trauma, infections, tumors, dental problems, or systemic diseases. Treatment for mandibular nerve-related conditions depends on the underlying cause and may involve medications for pain management, dental interventions, or surgical procedures to address the specific issue.