Trigeminal Nerves
The Trigeminal Nerves are the largest of the cranial nerves. They are derived from the pons of the brain and provide sensory nerons to the face and motor to the teeth and jaw including muscles of the jaw.


Trigeminal nerves have three sudivisions:
V 1. Opthalmic Region- runs through the superior orbital fissure to the eye from the ventral mid-brain to the pons of the brain.
Opthalmic region targets are:
skin of the anterior scalp
nose and nasal cavity
cornea of the eye
lacrimal glands
The opthalmic region of trigeminal nerves is a sensory neuron that functions in corneal reflexes.
V 2. Maxillary Region- runs from the pons of the brain through the foramen rotundum to the face.
Maxillary region targets are:
lower eyelid
the palate
nasal cavity mucosa
skin of the cheek
upper lip upper teeth
The maxillary region of trigeminal nerves is a sensory neuron and functions in the sensation of pain, touch, and sensitivity to temperature. Hmm... I want some ice cream. Ooohhh, I don't like that feeling of ice cream on my teeth. The maxillary region is at work!!
V 3. Mandibular Region- runs through the foramen ovale.
Mandibular region targets are:
temporal region of the scalp
anterior tongue
lower teeth
skin of the chin
masseter muscle
The mandibular region of trigeminal nerves serves as both motor and sensory neurons and functions in activities such as clenching teeth, chewing, and side to side movement of the mandibula. The mandibular region does not function in taste.
















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