Trigeminal Nerve (Noun)
Meaning
The main sensory nerve of the face and motor nerve for the muscles of mastication.
Classification
Nouns denoting body parts.
Examples
- The trigeminal nerve is responsible for transmitting sensory information from the face to the brain, including pain, temperature, and tactile sensations.
- Damage to the trigeminal nerve can result in numbness or weakness in the face, as well as difficulty chewing or swallowing.
- The trigeminal nerve is composed of three main branches: the ophthalmic, maxillary, and mandibular nerves, each with distinct functions and areas of innervation.
- In trigeminal neuralgia, the trigeminal nerve is irritated or compressed, causing sudden, severe pain in the face, often triggered by minor stimuli such as eating or talking.
- The trigeminal nerve plays a crucial role in regulating the muscles of mastication, including the masseter, temporalis, and medial pterygoid muscles, which are essential for chewing and grinding food.