ANATOMY AND FUNCTIONAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TRIGEMINAL NERVE (CRANIAL NERVE V)
Abstract
This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the anatomical structure and functional roles of the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V), emphasizing its three primary branches: ophthalmic (V1), maxillary (V2), and mandibular (V3). Cadaveric dissections combined with literature review were used to examine the nerve’s origin, branching patterns, sensory territories, and motor innervation. The ophthalmic and maxillary branches were found to be purely sensory, while the mandibular branch carried both sensory and motor fibers to the muscles of mastication. Minor anatomical variations, particularly in the maxillary branch, were observed in 20% of specimens, highlighting clinical implications for neurology, dentistry, and maxillofacial surgery. The study confirms the trigeminal nerve as a highly organized structure with distinct functional responsibilities and underscores the importance of detailed anatomical knowledge for diagnosis, surgical planning, and pain management.Keywords
Trigeminal nerve, Nervus trigeminus, Cranial nerve V, Ophthalmic branch, Maxillary branch, Mandibular branch, Sensory function, Motor function, Anatomical variations, Facial innervation
References
- Standring, S. (2021). Gray’s Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 42nd Edition. Elsevier.
- Nolte, J. (2020). The Human Brain: An Introduction to its Functional Anatomy. 7th Edition. Mosby.
- Netter, F. H. (2018). Atlas of Human Anatomy. 7th Edition. Elsevier.
- Burchiel, K. J. (2003). A New Classification for Facial Pain. Neurosurgery, 53(5), 1164–1173.
- Head, H., & Campbell, A. (1905). The Pain Pathways of the Trigeminal Nerve. Brain, 28(3), 223–288.
- Ro, J. Y., & Capra, N. F. (2001). Trigeminal Nerve Function and Dysfunction. Critical Reviews in Oral Biology & Medicine, 12(3), 258–283.
- Zakrzewska, J. M. (2002). Diagnosis and Management of Trigeminal Neuralgia. BMJ, 325, 129–132.
- Loukas, M., et al. (2008). Clinical Anatomy of the Trigeminal Nerve. Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 30(6), 499–507.
- Peker, T., et al. (2014). Anatomical Variations of the Trigeminal Nerve: Implications for Neurosurgery. Neurosurgical Review, 37, 295–302.
- Benes, V., & Hrdlicka, J. (2016). Functional Mapping of the Trigeminal Nerve in Humans. Journal of Clinical Neuroscience, 28, 32–39.
- Kandel, E. R., Schwartz, J. H., & Jessell, T. M. (2013). Principles of Neural Science. 5th Edition. McGraw-Hill.
- Tubbs, R. S., et al. (2011). Anatomy and Variations of the Trigeminal Nerve. Clinical Anatomy, 24(1), 1–10.
- Loukas, M., et al. (2010). The Trigeminal Nerve: Anatomy and Clinical Significance. Surgical and Radiologic Anatomy, 32, 69–79.
- Parkinson, D. (2017). Trigeminal Neuralgia and Facial Pain: Clinical Perspectives. Current Pain and Headache Reports, 21(3), 13.
- Pearce, J. M. S. (2009). Trigeminal Nerve: Anatomy, Pathology, and Clinical Significance. Journal of Neurology, 256, 1619–1626.
Downloads
Download data is not yet available.