Trigeminal Nerve Facial Distribution
The trigeminal nerve (CN V) provides general sensation to the face, scalp, nasal cavity, oral cavity, and teeth through its three main divisions: ophthalmic (V1), maxillary (V2), and mandibular (V3). 1
Three Main Divisions and Their Territories
Ophthalmic Division (V1)
The ophthalmic division is the smallest branch and supplies sensory innervation to: 2
- Upper face structures: eyebrow, upper eyelid, forehead, and upper nose 2
- Ocular structures: cornea, ciliary body, iris, lacrimal gland, and conjunctiva 2
- Nasal structures: portions of the nasal cavity mucous membrane, sphenoidal sinus, and frontal sinus 2
- Intracranial structures: tentorium cerebelli, dura mater, and posterior falx cerebri 2
Maxillary Division (V2)
The maxillary division provides sensory innervation to the midface region: 3
- Midfacial skin: lower eyelid, side of nose, and upper lip 3
- Oral structures: roof of mouth, maxillary gingivae, and all maxillary teeth 3
- Sinus and pharyngeal structures: maxillary sinus mucous membrane and nasopharynx 3
- Palatal structures: soft palate and palatine tonsil 3
Mandibular Division (V3)
The mandibular division is the largest division and contains both sensory and motor fibers: 4
- Sensory innervation: lower face, lower lip, chin, mandibular teeth, mandibular gingivae, anterior two-thirds of tongue (general sensation), floor of mouth, and portions of the external ear 1, 4
- Motor innervation: muscles of mastication (masseter, temporalis, medial and lateral pterygoids) 1, 5
- Meningeal branch: re-enters the cranium through foramen spinosum to supply dura mater of the middle cranial fossa 4
Clinical Relevance
The trigeminal nerve's extensive distribution makes it the largest cranial nerve and explains why trigeminal pathology can manifest as pain or sensory disturbances across wide areas of the face and head. 5, 6