What is the function of the trigeminal nerve?
- The trigeminal nerves begin within four nuclei — or collections of nerve cell bodies — in your brain. ...
- These three sensory nuclei merge to become one sensory root near the pons, which is the largest, central part of your brainstem.
- This sensory root becomes the trigeminal ganglion as it leaves the brainstem on each side. ...
Are nerves made of both sensory and motor fibers?
The spinal nerves emanate from the spinal cord as pairs of nerves composed of both sensory and motor fibers that function as the intermediary between the central nervous system (CNS) and the periphery. These mixed nerves that collectively transmit sensory, motor, and autonomic impulses between the spinal cord and the rest of the body.
What is nerve contains both motor and sensory fibers?
The sensory-somatic nervous system is made up of cranial and spinal nerves and contains both sensory and motor neurons. Sensory neurons transmit sensory information from the skin, skeletal muscle, and sensory organs to the CNS. What are sensory nerves examples?
Are the motor and sensory nerves the same cell?
• Sensory nervous arise from sensory neurons, whereas motor nerves arise from motor neurons. • Sensory nerves carry impulses toward the central nerve system while motor nerves carry impulses from the central nerve system. 1. Difference Between Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous System

Is the trigeminal nerve motor sensory or mixed?
mixedThe trigeminal nerve is a mixed cranial nerve that has both sensory and motor functions. There are three divisions of the trigeminal nerve: Ophthalmic division (CN V1 or Va), Maxillary division (CN V2 or Vb), Mandibular division (CN V3 or Vc).
Does trigeminal nerve have motor function?
The only branch of the trigeminal nerve that has a motor component in the mandibular nerve (V3). This branch supplies motor innervation to the facial muscles involved in mastication which include the masseter, temporalis muscle, and the lateral and medial pterygoids.
Does the trigeminal nerve have motor and sensory fibers?
The trigeminal nerve (CN V) contains both sensory and motor fibers. The trigeminal nerve is divided into three main branches: ophthalmic, maxillary, and mandibular nerves. All three branches contain sensory fibers, whereas only the mandibular nerve contains motor fibers.
Which facial nerves are motor and sensory?
The trigeminal nerve (V) is the largest cranial nerve, and it has both a sensory and a motor division. The motor division of the trigeminal nerve, which has its own nucleus located in the pons, innervates the “muscles of mastication” and also the tensor muscle of the tympanic membranes of the ear.
Which facial nerve is motor?
Facial nerveFromfacial nerve nucleus, intermediate nerveTogreater superficial petrosal nerve,InnervatesMotor: Muscles of facial expression, posterior belly of digastric, stylohyoid, stapedius Special sensory: taste to anterior two-thirds of tongue Parasympathetic: submandibular gland, sublingual gland, lacrimal glands11 more rows
Is trigeminal nerve exclusively sensory?
While some nerves have only sensory or motor functions, others can have both. The trigeminal nerve is one of the cranial nerves that has both sensory and motor function.
Which cranial nerve has no motor function?
Cranial nerves I, II, and VIII are pure sensory nerves. Cranial nerves III, IV, VI, XI, and XII are pure motor nerves. Cranial nerves V, VII, IX, and X are mixed sensory and motor nerves.
Which nerves have only motor functions?
The trochlear, abducens, accessory, and hypoglossal nerves are only motor nerves; the trigeminal nerve is both sensory and motor; the oculomotor nerve is both motor and parasympathetic; the facial glossopharyngeal, and vagus nerves have sensory, motor, and parasympathetic components (Standring, 2008).
Does facial nerve have motor function?
Structure and Function The facial nerve carries both motor and sensory fibers. Motor axons innervate the muscles of facial expression and the stapedius muscle.
What types of nerves are involved with motor functions?
Finally, the oculomotor nerve, the trochlear nerve, the mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve (V3), the abducens nerve, the facial nerve, the glossopharyngeal nerve, the vagus nerve, the spinal accessory nerve, and the hypoglossal nerve are responsible for motor functions.
What is the trigeminal nerve?
As the name suggests, the trigeminal nerve is a tripartite entity made up of distinct terminal divisions. Each component of the nerve is responsible for a specific region of the face, and transmits specific impulses. The three divisions of the trigeminal nerve are:
How many nuclei does the trigeminal nerve have?
Unlike the other cranial nerves, the trigeminal nerve is quite large. It has four nuclei that send fibers to form its tracts and is associated with three separate branches. Key facts about the trigeminal nerve (CN V) Type. Mixed (motor and sensory) Nuclei. Motor nucleus of trigeminal nerve.
How do axons form the mesencephalic tract?
As the myelinated axons leave the mesencephalic nucleus, they coalesce to form the mesencephalic tract. The individual axon s then split into central and peripheral branches. The central branches convey impulses from the neuromuscular spindles within the muscles of mastication, and from the bite force reflex arcs, to the motor neuron of the trigeminal nerve. Other central fibers also integrate with the reticular formation and the sensory trigeminal nerve. Others also gain access to the cerebellum by way of the superior cerebellar peduncle. This interplay between the proprioceptive and motor divisions of the trigeminal nerve helps to regulate the activity of the stretch muscles; and by extension, the process of mastication.
What nerve is CN V?
Trigeminal nerve (CN V): want to learn more about it?
Where does the ophthalmic nerve receive its meningeal tributary?
Once formed, the ophthalmic nerve also receives its meningeal tributary from the dura of the anterior cranial fossa. Key facts about the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve (CN V1) Branches. Nasociliary nerve.
Which nerve is responsible for the motor, sensory, and autonomous functions of the head and neck?
Trigeminal nerve (CN V) The principal regulator of the sensory modalities of the head is the trigeminal nerve. This is the fifth of twelve pairs of cranial nerves that are responsible for transmitting numerous motor, sensory, and autonomous stimuli to structures of the head and neck . While the trigeminal nerve (CN V) is largely a sensory nerve, ...
Where do the remaining sensory fibers travel?
The remaining sensory fibers will travel dorsomedially toward the main sensory nucleus, while the motor fibers will take a similar course to reach the motor nucleus. Skull exit locations of the trigeminal nerve branches are frequently tested on anatomy exam.
What is the function of the trigeminal nerve?
Its main function is transmitting sensory information to the skin, sinuses, and mucous membranes in the face. It also stimulates movement in the jaw muscles. The trigeminal nerve has three different divisions.
How to relieve pain from trigeminal nerve?
Sometimes surgery is needed to remove what’s irritating the trigeminal nerve. In other cases, injecting a numbing agent into the nerve can help. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques, such as meditation or yoga, can also help to relax nearby muscles and ease pain. Last medically reviewed on July 27, 2018.
Why does my trigeminal nerve hurt?
This is part of a chronic condition called trigeminal neuralgia. It happens when the trigeminal nerve is under pressure or irritated. This can happen when a vein or artery presses against the nerve.
How long does it take for trigeminal neuralgia to hurt?
People often describe it as a shooting or jabbing pain that lasts anywhere from a few seconds to several hours. Pain can also be achy or burning. It tends to occur more often over time.
What type of information does the cranial nerve transmit?
Cranial nerves can transmit two types of information: Sensory information includes details about smells, sights, tastes, touch, and sounds to the brain. Motor information refers to signals that affect the movement or activity of muscles and glands.
What causes trigeminal neuralgia?
Several things can cause irritation of the trigeminal nerve, including: stroke. facial injuries. brain tumor. neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis. The pain associated with trigeminal neuralgia can be very painful.
What nerve is responsible for feeling the face?
The trigeminal nerve plays a role in many sensations that are felt in different parts of the face. As a result, there are several ways to test the function of the trigeminal nerve.
What is the function of the trigeminal nerve?
The trigeminal nerve is the fifth cranial nerve (CN V). Its primary function is to provide sensory and motor innervation to the face. The trigeminal nerve consists of three branches on either side that extend to different territories of the face. These branches join at the trigeminal ganglia which are located within the Meckel cave of the cranial cavity. The different branches are namely the ophthalmic (V1), maxillary (V2), and mandibular (V3) nerves. The ophthalmic nerve is responsible for sensory innervation of the face and skull above the palpebral fissure as well as the eye and portions of the nasal cavity. The maxillary nerve is also a sensory branch and innervates portions of the nasal cavity, sinuses, maxillary teeth, palate, and the middle portion of the face and skull above the mouth and below the forehead. The mandibular nerve is unique in that it contains both sensory and motor fibers. It provides sensory innervation of the buccal mucosa, mandibular teeth, and the skin below the mouth. The motor portion of V3 innervates all the muscles of mastication. Additionally, V3 provides sensory information from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue; this is differentiated from taste which is produced by CN VII.[1][2]
What is the best treatment for trigeminal neuralgia?
One of the most common surgical procedures related to the trigeminal nerve is surgical therapy for trigeminal neuralgia (discussed later). Even though surgery can offer the patient significant pain relief, it also has a considerable risk of permanent damage to the trigeminal nerve which could result in facial numbness. For this reason, surgical intervention is often recommended only after several pharmaceutical therapies have been attempted. The surgical interventions that are done for trigeminal neuralgia are split into two categories: non-destructive and destructive. The goal of non-destructive surgery is to alleviate nerve compression by removing any structure that may be impinging on the nerve and maintaining the nerve intact. Destructive procedures aim to disrupt the trigeminal nerve completely so that pain is no longer transmitted by the nerve. The result of a destructive procedure is the irreversible loss of sensation of the affected side of the face. [7][8][9]
What is the ophthalmic nerve?
The ophthalmic nerve is primarily responsible for the sensory innervation of the face and scalp above the orbits. It also contains sympathetic nerve fibers responsible for pupil dilation and supplies the ciliary body, iris, lacrimal gland, conjunctiva, and cornea. In addition to these superficial sensory functions, the ophthalmic nerve also supplies the superior portion of the nasal cavity, the frontal sinus, and even deeper structures including the dura mater and portions of the anterior cranial fossa.
Which nerve is responsible for innervation of the facial muscles?
The only branch of the trigeminal nerve that has a motor component in the mandibular nerv e (V3). This branch supplies motor innervation to the facial muscles involved in mastication which include the masseter, temporalis muscle, and the lateral and medial pterygoids. Additionally, V3 gives off branches that innervate the tensor veli palatini, the mylohyoid, the tensor tympani, and the anterior portion of the digastric muscle.
Which nerve supplies the territory just below the orbits and above the mouth?
The maxillary nerve is also a sensory branch, and it supplies the territory just below the orbits and above the mouth. This includes the inferior portion of the nasal cavity, the maxillary teeth, and maxillary sinus.
Which nerve is responsible for sensory innervation of the face?
As stated previously, the trigeminal nerve provides both sensory and motor innervation to the face. More specifically, the sensory information conducted by this nerve includes touch, pain, and temperature. This sensory information is relayed through the main trigeminal nucleus and nuclei of the thalamus before it travels to the cerebral cortex and synapses in the post-central gyrus. As with all other sensory information of the body, the sensory information from the face crosses over (decussates) to the contralateral brain hemisphere.
Which nerve innervates the muscles of mastication?
The mandibular nerve is the only branch of the trigeminal nerve that has both sensory and motor components. The motor component innervates all of the muscles of mastication (enumerated below). The sensory portion is responsible for pain and temperature information from the mandibular teeth, buccal mucosa, temporomandibular joint, the anterior two-thirds of the tongue, and the face below the territory of the maxillary nerve.
What is the trigeminal nerve?
e. The trigeminal nerve (the fifth cranial nerve, or simply CN V) is a nerve responsible for sensation in the face and motor functions such as biting and chewing; it is the most complex of the cranial nerves. Its name ("trigeminal" = tri-, or three, and - geminus, or twin: thrice-twinned) derives from the fact that each of the two nerves ...
Where does the trigeminal nerve originate?
The motor division of the trigeminal nerve derives from the basal plate of the embryonic pons, and the sensory division originates in the cranial neural crest. Sensory information from the face and body is processed by parallel pathways in the central nervous system .
What are the areas of cutaneous distribution of the trigeminal nerve?
The areas of cutaneous distribution (dermatomes) of the three sensory branches of the trigeminal nerve have sharp borders with relatively little overlap (unlike dermatomes in the rest of the body, which have considerable overlap). The injection of a local anesthetic, such as lidocaine, results in the complete loss of sensation from well-defined areas of the face and mouth. For example, teeth on one side of the jaw can be numbed by injecting the mandibular nerve. Occasionally, injury or disease processes may affect two (or all three) branches of the trigeminal nerve; in these cases, the involved branches may be termed:
What are the three branches of the trigeminal nerve?
The three major branches of the trigeminal nerve—the ophthalmic nerve (V 1 ), the maxillary nerve (V 2) and the mandibular nerve (V 3 ) —converge on the trigeminal ganglion (also called the semilunar ganglion or gasserian ganglion), located within Meckel's cave and containing the cell bodies of incoming sensory-nerve fibers.
What nerve is involved in numbed teeth?
For example, teeth on one side of the jaw can be numbed by injecting the mandibular nerve. Occasionally, injury or disease processes may affect two (or all three) branches of the trigeminal nerve; in these cases, the involved branches may be termed: V1/V2 distribution – Referring to the ophthalmic and maxillary branches.
Which ganglia contains sensory fibers?
The trigeminal ganglion is analogous to the dorsal root ganglia of the spinal cord, which contain the cell bodies of incoming sensory fibers from the rest of the body. From the trigeminal ganglion, a single, large sensory root (portio major) enters the brainstem at the level of the pons.
Where are motor fibers located in the pons?
Motor fibers pass through the trigeminal ganglion without synapsing on their way to peripheral muscles, but their cell bodies are located in the nucleus of the fifth nerve, deep within the pons.
Which nerves are a trigeminal?
The Trigeminal (V) and Facial (VII) Cranial Nerves
What is the most common disorder of the trigeminal nerve?
Trigeminal neuralgia. The most frequent disorder of the trigeminal nerve is trigeminal neuralgia (tic douloureux), and the severity of the pain sometimes generates a referral for a psychiatric consultation.6Trigeminal neuralgia can be idiopathic, but it often is caused by compression, demyelination,7or other injury of the trigeminal nerve root entry zone at the level of the pons or by pressure from an adjacent artery or vein.8–10Trigeminal neuralgia primarily affects the elderly, with a 3:2 preponderance in women. The pain is unilateral, tends to involve the second and third divisions of the sensory part of the nerve (maxillary and mandibular), and is intense enough to cause the patient to grimace (tic). There are initiating or trigger points. There is no sensory or motor “loss” per se. If trigeminal neuralgia is preceded or accompanied by hemifacial spasm, this may indicate that there is a tumor, aneurysm, or arteriovenous malformation compressing both the trigeminal (V) and facial (VII) nerves. Trigeminal neuralgia can also be associated with glossopharyngeal neuralgia (in the tonsillar region, cranial nerve IX).11
How many nuclei are in the trigeminal nerve ganglion?
In the brainstem, the sensory part of the trigeminal nerve ganglion has three nuclei. The fibers of one of them (spinal sensory) carry pain and temperature sensation from the face. The spinal sensory trigeminal tract extends into the cervical cord.
What nerves are involved in taste?
Connoisseurs and wine experts intuit that there are interactions between somato-sensation (cranial nerve V) on the tongue and “taste” itself (cranial nerve VII). Recently, the interaction between the sensory parts of cranial verves V and VII has been illuminated.1For example, electrophysiological studies reveal that the trigeminal nerve (V), which innervates somato-sensation on the tongue, modulates the gustatory (taste) neurons arising from cranial nerve VII at the level of the solitary nucleus (medulla and lower pons) of cranial nerve VII.1,2Within the motor system, although the muscles of mastication are innervated by the trigeminal nerve (V), the muscles of facial expression are innervated mainly by the facial nerve (VII). The close functional and anatomical relationships between cranial nerves V and VII in both their sensory and motor divisions have induced us to discuss them together in this article.
Which cranial nerve has a motor division?
The trigeminal nerve (V) is the largest cranial nerve, and it has both a sensory and a motor division. The motor division of the trigeminal nerve, which has its own nucleus located in the pons, innervates the “muscles of mastication” and also the tensor muscle of the tympanic membranes of the ear.
What is the name of the neurocutaneous disorder that is characterized by port-wine stains in the trige?
Sturge-Weber syndrome. Sturge-Weber syndrome (also called encephalofacial or encephalotrigeminal angiomatosis) is a neurocutaneous syndrome that is characterized by facial port-wine stains in the trigeminal nerve distribution, plus open angle glaucoma, and vascular lesions in the ipsilateral brain and meninges.
Which cranial nerves are responsible for sensory sensation?
There are close functional and anatomical relationships between cranial nerves V and VII in both their sensory and motor divisions. Sensation on the face is innervated by the trigeminal nerves (V) as are the muscles of mastication, but the muscles of facial expression are innervated mainly by the facial nerve (VII) as is the sensation of taste. This article briefly reviews the anatomy of these cranial nerves, disorders of these nerves that are of particular importance to psychiatry, and some considerations for differential diagnosis.
What is the trigeminal nerve?
The trigeminal nerve is most commonly associated with trigeminal neuralgia, a condition characterized by severe facial pain. Since it is large and has several divisions, the trigeminal nerve or its branches can also be affected by a number of medical conditions including infections, trauma, and compression from tumors or blood vessels.
What is the most common problem associated with the trigeminal nerve?
A condition called trigeminal neuralgia is the most common problem associated with the trigeminal nerve. There are also several other medical problems that can involve the trigeminal nerve or its branches.
What causes nerve pain in the trigeminal nerve?
It can occur without any specific cause, and sometimes it can be triggered by an injury or inflammation of the trigeminal nerve. This condition often causes pain that is severe in intensity. Medications used for pain management include antidepressants and anticonvulsants, both of which are frequently used for nerve pain.
What can be done to prevent permanent deficits of the trigeminal nerve?
Treatment with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication, if started in a timely manner, can prevent permanent deficits of the trigeminal nerve in the setting of infection.
Where are the trigeminal nerve roots located?
Location. The trigeminal nerve roots and ganglion, like those of other cranial nerves, are located right outside the brainstem. The brainstem is the lower part of the brain that serves as the physical connection between the spinal cord and the cerebral cortex of the brain. All 12 cranial nerves (12 in each side) emerge from the brainstem.
Which nerve is smaller than the sensory nerve?
The motor nerve branch of the trigemin al nerve is smaller than the sensory branches ...
Which nerves are located in the head?
Ophthalmic. The frontal nerve, the lacrimal nerve, and the nasociliary nerves converge in the ophthalmic nerve. These nerves and their small branches are located in and around the eye, forehead, nose, and scalp. The ophthalmic nerve enters into the skull through a small opening called the superior orbital fissure before it converges in ...
What is the trigeminal nerve?
The trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V; CN V) is a mixed sensory and motor nerve. It supplies the face via three branches of the nerve: from rostral to caudal, the sensory ophthalmic nerve (V1), the sensory maxillary nerve (V2), and the mixed sensory and motor mandibular nerve (V3).
What are the three main tracts of the trigeminal system?
Tracts of the Trigeminal System. There are three main tracts of the trigeminal system; the spinal trigeminal tract (discussed above), the ventral trigeminothalamic tract, and dorsal trigeminothalamic tract. These tracts ultimately synapse with third-order neurons in the VPM and continue to the primary sensory cortex.
Where does sensory information travel?
In general, incoming sensory information from the face travels first to the trigeminal ganglion and then to the trigeminal nuclei, whereas motor information is transmitted directly to the face from the motor nucleus.
Which cranial nerve is related to the motor nucleus?
The fifth c ranial nerve is related to three sensory nuclei and one motor nucleus related to muscles of mastication and facial sensation. The mesencephalic tract and nucleus, the chief/principal sensory nucleus, spinal trigeminal tract and nucleus, and the trigeminal motor nucleus. [2]
What nerves are involved in the nucleus?
Unique to this nucleus is that it receives sensory information from cranial nerves VII, IX, and X (ear, tongue, pharynx, and larynx). [3]
Where do upper motor neurons originate?
The upper motor neurons commanding lower motor neurons in the motor trigeminal nucleus originate in the motor cortex. They are transmitted bilaterally to the trigeminal motor nuclei in the pons (lateral to the mesencephalic nucleus). They then travel through the middle cerebellar peduncle (directly adjacent to incoming sensory fibers) to emerge from the middle pons to travel in the mandibular division of the CN V.[2][4]
Where is the trigeminal nucleus located?
This nucleus is the largest trigeminal nucleus and is in the lateral tegmentum of the medulla and caudal pons. The spinal trigeminal nucleus travels adjacent to the spinal trigeminal tract. The spinal trigeminal nucleus is continuous with the substantia gelatinosa, while the tract is continuous with Lissauer's tract.
Where does the trigeminal nerve originate?
The trigeminal nerve originates from four nuclei or groups of CNS nerve cells that begin at the midbrain and end at the medulla oblongata. Three of these nuclei are sensory (the mesencephalic, principal sensory, and spinal nuclei). The fourth is known as the motor nucleus and sends out nerves that help with jaw movement.
What are the three divisions of the trigeminal nerve?
With both sensory and motor components, the trigeminal nerve is a mixed nerve that splits into three divisions: the ophthalmic, maxillary, and mandibular branches.
What nerve is involved in chewing food?
Mastication or the chewing of food involves using the powerful muscles that envelop the mandible and maxilla. Damage to this area of the trigeminal nerve can give a strange sensation when eating and completely change how we chew our food.
What are the three nerves that make up the ophthalmic branch?
The ophthalmic branch begins at the trigeminal ganglion – just like all of the trigeminal branches – and eventually divides into three smaller nerves known as the lacrimal nerve, frontal nerve, and nasociliary nerve.
What nerve sends out nerves that help with jaw movement?
The fourth is known as the motor nucleus and sends out nerves that help with jaw movement. Everything you feel on and in your face, the front of your scalp, and the mucous membranes of your mouth, nose, and sinuses is due to the different branches of the trigeminal nerve. The image below shows the thick trigeminal nerve ganglion at the end ...
Why does my trigeminal nerve hurt?
There are plenty of potential causes of trigeminal pain, but the easiest to diagnose is blood vessel pressure directly on the trigeminal nerve. Blood vessels lie incredibly close to the nerves; if they push into or wrap around a nerve they can form what is known as a neurovascular loop. Other causes directly related to the nerves are damage to the myelin sheath of nerve fibers and (surgical) trauma; however, the majority of cases are idiopathic – we just don’t know why.
What is the name of the nerve that causes pain?
Trigeminal neuralgia is trigeminal nerve pain and can be a debilitating disorder. Other names sometimes used to describe trigeminal neuralgia are tic douloureax or painful tic . This pain comes and goes, probably in reaction to inflammatory processes within the body, a low blood supply, nerve damage, or direct pressure to the nerve. Many neurological departments allocate specific teams for the diagnosis and treatment of trigeminal neuralgia patients.
What is the trigeminal nerve?
The Trigeminal Nerve (CN V) The trigeminal nerve, CN V, is the fifth paired cranial nerve. It is also the largest cranial nerve. In this article, we shall look at the anatomical course of the nerve, and the motor, sensory and parasympathetic functions of its terminal branches.
Where does the trigeminal nerve originate?
The trigeminal nerve originates from three sensory nuclei (mesencephalic, principal sensory, spinal nuclei of trigeminal nerve ) and one motor nucleus (motor nucleus of the trigeminal nerve) extending from the midbrain to the medulla.
What are the 3 divisions of the trigeminal ganglion?
The peripheral aspect of the trigeminal ganglion gives rise to 3 divisions: ophthalmic (V1) , maxillary (V2) and mandibular (V3) . The motor root passes inferiorly to the sensory root, along the floor of the trigeminal cave. Its fibres are only distributed to the mandibular division.
How many terminal branches does the maxillary nerve have?
Maxillary nerve gives rise to 14 terminal branches, which innervate the skin, mucous membranes and sinuses of derivatives of the maxillary prominence of the 1st pharyngeal arch:
Which ganglion is associated with the lacrimal gland?
Lacrimal gland: Post ganglionic fibres from the pterygopalatine ganglion (derived from the facial nerve), travel with the zygomatic branch of V2 and then join the lacrimal branch of V1. The fibres supply parasympathetic innervation to the lacrimal gland.
Which nerve gives rise to 3 terminal branches?
Ophthalmic nerve gives rise to 3 terminal branches: frontal, lacrimal and nasociliary, which innervate the skin and mucous membrane of derivatives of the frontonasal prominence derivatives:
Where is the trigeminal ganglion located?
The trigeminal ganglion is located lateral to the cavernous sinus, in a depression of the temporal bone. This depression is known as the trigeminal cave. The peripheral aspect of the trigeminal ganglion gives rise to 3 divisions: ophthalmic (V1), maxillary (V2) and mandibular (V3).

Overview
- What is the trigeminal nerve?
There are 12 cranial nerves in the body, all originating in the brain. They come in pairs and connect different body areas and organs to the brain. - Cranial nerves can transmit two types of information:
Sensory information includes details about smells, sights, tastes, touch, and sounds.
Structure
Function
Trigeminal nuclei
Clinical significance
In neuroanatomy, the trigeminal nerve (lit. triplet nerve), also known as the fifth cranial nerve, cranial nerve V, or simply CN V, is a cranial nerve responsible for sensation in the face and motor functions such as biting and chewing; it is the most complex of the cranial nerves. Its name ("trigeminal", from Latin tri- 'three', and -geminus 'twin' ) derives from each of the two nerves (one on each side of the p…
See also
The three major branches of the trigeminal nerve—the ophthalmic nerve (V1), the maxillary nerve (V2) and the mandibular nerve (V3)—converge on the trigeminal ganglion (also called the semilunar ganglion or gasserian ganglion), located within Meckel's cave and containing the cell bodies of incoming sensory-nerve fibers. The trigeminal ganglion is analogous to the dorsal root ganglia of the spi…
Sources
The sensory function of the trigeminal nerve is to provide tactile, proprioceptive, and nociceptive afference to the face and mouth. Its motor function activates the muscles of mastication, the tensor tympani, tensor veli palatini, mylohyoid and the anterior belly of the digastric.
The trigeminal nerve carries general somatic afferent fibers (GSA), which innerv…
External links
All sensory information from the face, both touch-position and pain-temperature, is sent to the trigeminal nucleus. In classical anatomy most sensory information from the face is carried by the fifth nerve, but sensation from parts of the mouth, parts of the ear and parts of the meninges is carried by general somatic afferent fibers in cranial nerves VII (the facial nerve), IX (the glossopharyngeal nerve) an…