Mandibular nerve (CN V3)

Watch video

The trigeminal nerve (CN V), which is a large and complex nerve which divides into three main branches at the anterior aspect of the trigeminal ganglion: the ophthalmic nerve, the maxillary nerve, and the mandibular nerve.

The mandibular nerve, accompanied by the motor root of the trigeminal nerve, leaves the skull through the foramen ovale, after which both unite within the infratemporal fossa. The mandibular nerve is therefore the only division of the trigeminal nerve to convey both afferent (sensory) and efferent (motor) nerve fibers. It supplies:

• General somatic afferent (GSA, sensory) innervation to the skin over the mandible, cheek and temporal region, mucosa of the oral cavity and tongue, the mandibular teeth, parts of the external ear, as well as the temporomandibular joint.
• Special visceral efferent (SVE) innervation is provided to eight muscles: muscles of mastication (4), mylohyoid, anterior belly of digastric, tensor veli palatini, and tensor tympani muscles.
• Other fiber types (special visceral afferent (SVA), general visceral efferent (GVE)) are also carried by the mandibular nerve via anastomoses with branches of other cranial nerves. 

Find out more about the pathway, branches and functions of the mandibular nerve in the video below. 

Take a quiz

That’s a lot to learn! Why not test and consolidate your knowledge with the quiz below.

Challenge yourself even further with a fully customizable quiz on the cranial nerves.

Browse atlas

Take a closer look at the pathway and branches of the mandibular nerve in the gallery below.

Summary