Trigeminus (Noun)
Meaning
The main sensory nerve of the face and motor nerve for the muscles of mastication.
Classification
Nouns denoting body parts.
Examples
- The trigeminus nerve is responsible for transmitting sensations of pain, temperature, and touch from the face to the brain.
- Dysfunction of the trigeminus nerve can lead to conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia, characterized by intense pain along the nerve pathway.
- The three main branches of the trigeminus nerve are the ophthalmic, maxillary, and mandibular nerves, each innervating distinct areas of the face.
- The trigeminus nerve also plays a critical role in controlling the muscles of mastication, enabling functions such as chewing and biting.
- Damage to the trigeminus nerve can result in weakness or paralysis of the muscles it supplies, affecting the ability to chew and speak properly.