We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Conditions

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is the Fifth Cranial Nerve?

By Meshell Powell
Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 20,570
Share

The fifth cranial nerve, also known as the trigeminal nerve, is part of the central nervous system. This nerve is considered to be a sensory nerve, primarily responsible for the sensations felt in the facial area. In spite of being classified as a sensory nerve, it is responsible for a limited amount of motor function as well, particularly related to the acts of chewing and swallowing.

Cranial nerves have their origin in the brain, and this nerve begins in the brain stem. The brain stem is located near the bottom of the skull at the back of the head and is responsible for such functions as consciousness, attention, and arousal.

The largest of the cranial nerves, the fifth cranial nerve has three branches, each responsible for facial sensation. One of the branches is also responsible for limited motor function. The three branches of this nerve are referred to as the maxillary, ophthalmic, and mandibular branches, or nerves.

The maxillary branch provides sensation to the top portion of the face, as well as to the nose and cheeks. It is a purely sensory nerve, not contributing to any of the motor function involving the face.

The ophthalmic branch, like the maxillary branch, is purely a sensory nerve. It provides the nerve supply to the eyes and the surrounding structures, including the skin of the forehead and nose.

The mandibular branch is the largest and also provides some motor function. This is the nerve branch responsible for sensation in the lower portion of the face. The acts of biting, chewing, and swallowing are influenced by this nerve as well.

Trigeminal neuralgia is a medical condition that affects the fifth cranial nerve. The exact cause of this condition is unknown, although there is a higher prevalence of it in patients with certain other medical conditions, such as multiple sclerosis. This condition causes extreme facial pain that can last from a few minutes to several hours at a time. Treatment is generally administered by a dentist and often includes prescription medications, with dosages and medicine combinations often having to be changed from time to time. In some cases, surgery is necessary to relieve pressure on the nerve.

Share
The Health Board is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.thehealthboard.com/what-is-the-fifth-cranial-nerve.htm
Copy this link
The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.