Meningeal Branch of the Mandibular Nerve: Origin and Cranial Nerve
The meningeal branch of the mandibular nerve originates from the mandibular division (V3) of the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V). 1
Trigeminal Nerve Anatomy
The trigeminal nerve (CN V) is the largest cranial nerve and provides:
- General sensation to the face, scalp, nasal cavity, oral cavity, and teeth 1
- Branchial motor innervation to the muscles of mastication 1
The trigeminal nerve divides into three main branches:
- Ophthalmic division (V1) 1
- Maxillary division (V2) 1
- Mandibular division (V3) - the largest division and the only one containing both sensory and motor fibers 1, 2
Mandibular Division (V3) Anatomy
The mandibular division (V3) is considered a mixed nerve because:
- It carries afferent (sensory) fibers like the other trigeminal divisions 2
- It uniquely contains efferent (motor) fibers that innervate:
Meningeal Branch
The meningeal branch (also called the nervus spinosus or recurrent meningeal nerve) is one of the branches of the mandibular division (V3) of the trigeminal nerve. It:
- Originates from the mandibular nerve shortly after it exits the foramen ovale 1
- Re-enters the cranium through the foramen spinosum 1
- Provides sensory innervation to the dura mater of the middle cranial fossa 1
Clinical Significance
Understanding the anatomy of the meningeal branch is important because:
- It may be affected in trigeminal neuropathy, which can manifest as sensory disturbances or motor abnormalities 1, 3
- It can be involved in trigeminal neuralgia, causing sudden, brief, and excruciating facial pain 3
- The complex branching patterns of the trigeminal nerve require careful consideration during surgical procedures involving the mandible 4, 5
Anatomical Variations
Anatomical variations of the mandibular nerve and its branches have been observed in approximately 20% of subjects, which may explain various clinical presentations involving stomatognathic structures 4.