Nerve Supply of the Head & Neck
Trigeminal Nerve (CN V)
The main sensory nerve of the face with three divisions:
- V1 Ophthalmic — sensory.
- V2 Maxillary — sensory (maxillary teeth/midface).
- V3 Mandibular — sensory + the only division carrying motor fibres (muscles of mastication).
Key Dental Nerves
- Inferior alveolar nerve (V3) — mandibular teeth; targeted by the IANB.
- Lingual nerve (V3) — general sensation of the anterior two-thirds of the tongue; carries taste via the chorda tympani (from CN VII).
Exam Tips ⭐
V3 = only division with motor fibres; lingual nerve = anterior 2/3 sensation; taste via chorda tympani (VII).