maxillary nerve is one of he three branches of trigeminal nerve ( V th cranial nerve) It innervates the maxilla, pterygopalatine fossa and the infraorbital region.
Origin and course of maxillary nerve
It begins at the middle of trigeminal ganglion that lies in the petrous temporal bone in the Dural cave or Meckel's cave . it exits Meckel's cave through foramen rotundum.
after passing through foramen rotundum it gives 2 branches to the pterygopalatine ganglion and then continues to the infraorbital foramen through infraorbital canal.
before it exits through infraorbital foramen it gives a branch for the superior alveolar nerve and infra orbital nerve in the infra orbital canal.
The maxillary nerve gives 3 types of innervation:
Branches of Maxillary nerve
The maxillary nerve branches are divided based on the site of branching.
Branches in middle cranial fossa
Middle Meningeal branches of maxillary nerve:
meningeal branch of maxillary nerve supplies the dura matter of the temporal region along with the middle meningeal arteries and veins.
Branches in the Pterygopalatine fossa
Zygomatic branches:
Zygomaticotemporal Branch:
The zygomaticotemporal branch of maxillary nerve innervates the skin over temple region.
It runs along the lateral wall of orbit, exits through zygomaticotemporal foramen and ascends between the temporalis muscle and the bone to innervate the skin of temple region.
Zygomaticofacial branch:
Zygomaticofacial nerve enters the face through the zygomaticofacial foramen and pierces the orbicularis oculi to innervate the skin over he prominence of cheek area.
Nasopalatine nerve:
nasopalatine nerve is a branch of pterygopalatine ganglion. It enters through the sphenopalatine fossa and descends through incisive canal to communicate with greater palatine nerve.
It provides sensory innervation to the anterior palate and the palatal structures surrounding the maxillary anterior teeth.
Greater and lesser palatine nerve:
They are the branches of the pterygopalatine ganglion. They descend down the greater palatine canal and enters palate through greater palatine foramen.
They provide both Sensory and parasympathetic innervation to the palate.
Posterior superior alveolar nerve:
The posterior superior alveolar nerve arises from the main branch of maxillary nerve before it enters the infraorbital canal . They descent to the maxillary tuberosity and gives branches to the gums and the mucous membrane of cheek.
Then it enters the alveolar canal and communicates with the middle superior alveolar plexus and gives out branches to form the dental plexus.
Branches in the Infraorbital canal :
Middle superior alveolar branches:
it drops from the infraorbital canal to the alveolar region. might be absent. I
It innervates the nerve supply for the roots of maxillary premolar.
Anterior superior alveolar nerve:
The anterior superior alveolar nerve ranches off from the infraorbital canal and gives supply for the maxillary incisors and canine.
It also gives a nasal branch that innervates the anterior mucous of nasal cavity.
Terminal branches on face
Inferior palpebral nerve:
It supplies the skin over the conjunctiva of lower eyelid.
Superior labial branches :
It is a terminal branch of maxillary nerve through infraorbital nerve.
It innervates the upper lips, mucous membrane of mouth and labial glands.
Lateral nasal branch:
supplies the mucous membrane at inferior posterior part of nasal cavity
Motor branches of maxillary nerve:
Superior Alveolar Nerve
Middle Meningeal Nerve
Zygomatic Nerve
Inferior Alveolar Nerve
Inferior palpebral Nerve
Superior Labial Nerve
Greater and Lesser Palatine Nerve
Nasopalatine Nerve
Sensory branches of maxillary nerve:
lower eyelid and conjunctiva
Inferior posterior portion of nasal cavity.
Cheek and maxillary sinus
Lateral nose
Upper lip, gums and teeth
Superior palate
Parasympathetic innervation of maxillary nerve :
mucous membrane of nose
lacrimal gland
References :
Books:
B.D chaurasias
Greys anatomy
Site references:
teach me anatomy: https://teachmeanatomy.info/head/nerves/maxillary-nerve/
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