Knowra Trigeminal nerve Trigeminal nerve The fifth cranial nerve carries sensation from the face and controls muscles used for chewing. Its sensory fibers also detect chemical irritation in the nose and mouth.
Ophthalmic nerve : The first division of the trigeminal nerve carries sensation from the forehead, upper eyelid, cornea, and nose. It supplies the upper facial territory, including sensory input from the nasal cavity.
Trigeminal lemniscus : Ascending brainstem pathways that carry trigeminal sensory information toward the thalamus. Facial signals carried by the nerve ascend through these pathways to reach the cortex.
Trigeminal neuralgia : A disorder causing recurrent, severe, brief facial pain in one or more trigeminal nerve territories. This pain syndrome arises from dysfunction in the nerve's sensory pathways.
Facial nerve : The seventh cranial nerve controls facial expression, carries taste from the anterior tongue, and supplies tear and saliva glands. It moves the facial muscles, while the trigeminal nerve supplies most facial sensation.
Maxillary nerve : The second division of the trigeminal nerve carries sensation from the midface, upper teeth, and nasal cavity. It conveys sensation from much of the nose and the central face.
Spinal trigeminal tract : A descending brainstem tract that carries pain and temperature signals from the face to spinal trigeminal nuclei. It conveys noxious facial input, including irritation detected in the nasal passages.
Trigeminal neuropathy : Damage or dysfunction of the trigeminal nerve that causes facial sensory loss, pain, or abnormal sensations. It describes broader nerve injury beyond the characteristic attacks of neuralgia.
Olfactory nerve : The first cranial nerve carries signals from smell receptors in the nasal cavity to the brain. Smell detects airborne odorants; trigeminal fibers signal nasal burning, cooling, and irritation.
Mandibular nerve : The third division of the trigeminal nerve carries lower-face sensation and motor fibers to muscles of mastication. Its mixed sensory and motor functions distinguish it from the other divisions.
Trigeminal reflex : A set of brainstem reflexes triggered by sensory input carried by the trigeminal nerve. Its sensory limb lets facial or nasal stimulation trigger protective responses.
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