buccal nerve (buccinator nerve)

Introduction

Sensory nerve.

Origin

• mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve (CN V-3)

Innervation

• buccal mucous membrane & skin of the cheek near the angle of the mouth

Course

• the nerve originates from the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve (CN V), passes downward, emerging beneath the ramus of the mandible to run forward on the buccinator muscle, piercing it, but not innervating it, to supply the buccal mucous membrane & skin of the cheek near the angle of the mouth

More general terms

• peripheral nerve

Additional terms

• temporal branch of facial nerve (CN VII)