Maxillary division of Trigeminal nerve (V2 or Vb) / Maxillary nerve - Anatomy Animation

Summary

The maxillary nerve, the second division of the trigeminal nerve, is purely sensory and has a complex path through the skull and face. It originates from the trigeminal ganglion, passes through the foramen rotundum, and enters the orbit, becoming the infraorbital nerve. Key branches include the zygomatic nerve, posterior and anterior superior alveolar nerves, and nasal branches, which provide sensory innervation to the face, teeth, nasal cavity, and upper lip. Understanding the maxillary nerve’s course and branches is crucial for clinical applications, particularly in dental and facial procedures.

Takeaways

• 😀 The maxillary nerve is the second division of the trigeminal nerve and is purely sensory.
• 😀 It arises from the anterior convexity of the trigeminal ganglion and exits the middle cranial fossa through the foramen rotundum.
• 😀 After leaving the foramen rotundum, the maxillary nerve reaches the pterygopalatine fossa and enters the orbit via the inferior orbital fissure.
• 😀 The maxillary nerve is also known as the infraorbital nerve once it enters the orbit, continuing along the floor of the orbit in the infraorbital groove.
• 😀 The nerve passes through the infraorbital foramen to emerge on the face.
• 😀 The maxillary nerve traverses four regions: middle cranial fossa, pterygopalatine fossa, orbit, and face.
• 😀 The pterygopalatine ganglion is suspended from the maxillary nerve by two roots.
• 😀 The nerve gives off several branches, including a meningeal branch that supplies the dura mater of the middle cranial fossa.
• 😀 In the orbit, the zygomatic nerve divides into temporal and facial branches that supply the temple and the skin of the face, respectively.
• 😀 The posterior superior alveolar nerve supplies the maxillary sinus and molar teeth, forming the superior dental plexus, which also receives contributions from the middle and anterior superior alveolar nerves.

Q & A

What is the maxillary nerve and what is its primary function?

The maxillary nerve is the second division of the trigeminal nerve and is purely sensory. It carries sensory information from areas such as the face, maxillary sinus, and teeth.

Where does the maxillary nerve originate?

The maxillary nerve arises from the convex anterior part of the trigeminal ganglion.

What are the main regions the maxillary nerve traverses during its course?

The maxillary nerve passes through four key regions: the middle cranial fossa, the pterygopalatine fossa, the orbit, and the face.

What important structure is suspended from the maxillary nerve in the pterygopalatine fossa?

The pterygopalatine ganglion is suspended from the maxillary nerve by two roots in the pterygopalatine fossa.

What is the role of the meningeal branch of the maxillary nerve?

The meningeal branch of the maxillary nerve supplies the dura mater of the middle cranial fossa.

What branches does the maxillary nerve give off in the orbit?

In the orbit, the maxillary nerve gives off the zygomatic nerve, which divides into the zygomaticotemporal branch (supplying the temple) and the zygomaticofacial branch (supplying the skin of the face).

What does the posterior superior alveolar nerve supply?

The posterior superior alveolar nerve supplies the mucous membrane of the maxillary air sinus and forms the superior dental plexus, which supplies the molar teeth and adjacent gums.

How does the middle superior alveolar nerve function?

The middle superior alveolar nerve runs along the lateral wall of the maxillary sinus and supplies the premolar teeth through the superior dental plexus.

What is the function of the anterior superior alveolar nerve?

The anterior superior alveolar nerve supplies the canine and incisor teeth and also provides nasal branches that supply the mucous membrane of the lateral wall and floor of the nasal cavity.

What areas does the superior labial branch of the maxillary nerve innervate?

The superior labial branch supplies the skin and mucous membrane of the upper lip.