The mandibular nerve is the third terminal branch from the 5th cranial nerve. This nerve is also known as the trigeminal nerve and is composed of certain visceromotor and somatosensory fibers. Since the mandibular nerve is closely connected to the nerves of the brain, it is of great importance for the proper functioning of the human organism.
What is mandibular nerve?
The mandibular nerve is also referred to in some cases as the so-called mandibular nerve. This term originates from the Latin word mandibula, which means lower jaw. In this context, the mandibular nerve is closely connected to the fifth cranial nerve. This cranial nerve is divided into three main branches, with the mandibular nerve representing the third branch. The fifth cranial nerve bears the medical name trigeminal nerve and is often simply referred to by its abbreviation V3. This nerve is primarily responsible for the nervous supply of the lower part of the face as well as the tongue. The nerve is connected to the motor fibers of the corresponding areas. For this reason, it is responsible, among other things, for the control of the musculature that is jointly responsible for movements of the floor of the mouth and the masticatory apparatus. In addition, the nerve is also connected with the so-called tensioners, which are located inside the eardrum. The medical name for these ear muscles is Musculus tensor tympani. The nerve also runs through the soft palate or the so-called Musculus tensor veli palatini. From a developmental point of view, the mandibular nerve is the first nerve of the gill arch. The mandibular nerve first passes through the trigeminal ganglion and then emerges from the cranial cavity. In doing so, the nerve passes through the so-called foramen ovale, whereupon it enters the infratemporal fossa. In this area, the terminal branches of the nerve split.
Anatomy and structure
The mandibular nerve is composed of numerous different branches that pass through different areas of the body. In particular, it is divided into the sensitive and motor branches of the mandibular nerve. The sensitive branches include the ramus meningeus, the auriculotemporal nerve, the inferior alveolar nerve, the lingual nerve and finally the buccal nerve. The ramus meningeus, as a component of the mandibular nerve, leaves the so-called infratemporal fossa as the spinosal nerve and then enters back into the cranial cavity. The auriculotemporal nerve picks up special postganglionic fibers from the so-called ganglion oticum. Ganglions are generally bundles of nerve cell bodies. In this case, they pass through the parotid gland with nerves. Subsequently, the fibers of the auriculotemporal nerve pass into the parotid gland. This nerve is mainly responsible for supplying the sensitive skin in the area of the temples as well as the auricles. The alveolar nerve primarily innervates the teeth as well as the gums, which are located on the lower jaw. In addition, this nerve supplies the skin above the chin with one of its terminal branches. Among other things, the lingual nerve picks up taste fibers and supplies large parts of the anterior tongue as well as soft areas of the palate. The buccal nerve runs through the so-called buccinator muscle and is responsible for the sensitive supply of the mucous membranes on the cheeks and gums. The motor branches of the mandibular nerve include the mylohyoid nerve, the masseteric nerve, the profundal temporal nerves and the pterygoid nerves. In addition, the mandibular nerve has other branches that provide, among other things, soft palate tension and reduced sound conduction.
Function and tasks
The mandibular nerve performs numerous different functions and tasks in the human organism. These primarily relate to the sensitive innervation of areas of the head. In addition to sensitive branches of the mandibular nerve, motor branches ensure the proper control of certain muscles and muscle groups. Thus, the mandibular nerve is primarily important for the innervation and motor function of the face, jaw, and mouth areas. The nerve is involved in the control of movements and sensitizes numerous areas so that they are able to perceive pain, temperature and similar stimuli.The mandibular nerve and its correct functioning are particularly important, for example, in the masticatory apparatus and the movements associated with food intake. Here, the mandibular nerve performs essential tasks with regard to the transmission of stimuli as well as the control of the corresponding muscle groups in the area of the jaw.
Diseases
In the event that the mandibular nerve suffers damage of various causes and degrees, numerous complaints and diseases are possible. This is because the mandibular nerve is responsible, for example, for a variety of important movements performed by the muscles of the face, head and jaw. For example, if certain branches of the masticatory muscles fail, the lower jaw moves sideways when the mouth is opened. This is due to the muscles of the floor of the mouth, which are innervated by the mandibular nerve. The corresponding muscles are responsible for medial movements of the jaw. If any sensation of discomfort or discomfort occurs in the mandibular nerve, a physician should be consulted immediately.
