maxillary nerve (CN V-2)

Function

• sensory function in the distribution of innervation
• central inhibitory effect on the sensation of breathlessness

Origin

• 2nd division of the trigeminal nerve (CN V-2)

Afferents

• sensory fibers distributed to
  • skin & conjunctiva of the lower eyelid
  • skin & mucosa of the upper lip & cheek
  • palate & roof of pharynx
  • upper teeth & gingiva
  • maxillary, ethmoidal & sphenoidal sinuses
  • wings of the nose
  • posterior/inferior nasal cavity

Efferents

• secretory fibers from the pterygopalatine ganglion pass with the zygomatic & lacrimal nerves to the lacrimal gland

Course

• passes anteriorly from the middle cranial fossa through the foramen rotundum into the pterygopalatine fossa

Branches

• meningeal branch
• ganglionic branches to the pterygopalatine ganglion
• zygomatic nerve
  • zygomaticofacial nerve
  • zygomaticotemporal nerve
• posterior superior alveolar nerve
• palatine nerves
• posterior superior lateral nasal nerves
• nasopalatine nerve
• pharyngeal nerve
• continues as the infraorbital nerve in the orbit
  • anterior superior alveolar nerve
  • middle superior alveolar nerve
  • superior labial nerves
  • inferior palpebral nerves
  • external nasal nerve
  • internal nasal nerve

More general terms

• peripheral nerve

Additional terms

• infraorbital nerve
• trigeminal nerve (CN V)
• zygomatic nerve