trigeminal motor nucleus (motor nucleus of CN V)

Introduction

A group of motor neurons in the upper pontine tegmentum medial to the principal sensory nucleus of CN V.

Innervation

Cell bodies of motor neurons are found within the nucleus including those that innervate:

• muscles of mastication
  • masseter
  • temporalis
  • internal pterygoid
  • external pterygoid
• tensor tympani
• tensor veli palatini

More general terms

• cranial nerve nucleus

Additional terms

• trigeminal nerve (CN V)