Meningeal branch of the mandibular nerve
| Meningeal branch of the mandibular nerve | |
|---|---|
Sphenoid bone. Upper surface. (Foramen spinosum labeled left, second from bottom.) | |
| Details | |
| From | Mandibular nerve |
| Innervates | Dura mater |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | ramus meningeus nervi mandibularis |
| TA98 | A14.2.01.065 |
| TA2 | 6247 |
| FMA | 53047 |
| Anatomical terms of neuroanatomy | |
The meningeal branch of the mandibular nerve (also known as the nervus spinosus)[1] is a sensory branch of the mandibular nerve (CN V3).[2] It arises in the infratemporal fossa and reenters the middle cranial fossa through either the foramen spinosum or foramen ovale[3]. The nerve innervates portions of the meninges of this fossa as well as the mastoid air cells.[4] The meningeal branch of the mandibular nerve is clinically relevant in conditions involving meningeal irritation and in surgical procedures that involve the middle cranial fossa or adjacent structures.[5]
Anatomy
Branches
It divides into two branches - anterior and posterior - which accompany the main divisions of the middle meningeal artery and supply the dura mater:[1]
- The anterior branch communicates with the meningeal branch of the maxillary nerve.[1]
- The posterior branch also supplies the mucous lining of the mastoid cells.[1]
References
- ^ a b c d Gray, Henry (1918). Gray's Anatomy (20th ed.). p. 894.
- ^ Standring, Susan; Tubbs, R. Shane, eds. (December 30, 2025). Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice (43rd ed.). Elsevier. ISBN 9780443124785.
- ^ Casale, Jarett; Bordoni, Bruno (2023-07-24), "Anatomy, Head and Neck: Infratemporal Fossa", StatPearls [Internet], StatPearls Publishing, PMID 30725719, retrieved 2026-03-11
- ^ Sinnatamby, Chummy S. (2011). Last's Anatomy (12th ed.). p. 364. ISBN 978-0-7295-3752-0.
- ^ Rodella, L. F.; Buffoli, B.; Labanca, M.; Rezzani, R. (2012-04-01). "A review of the mandibular and maxillary nerve supplies and their clinical relevance". Archives of Oral Biology. 57 (4): 323–334. doi:10.1016/j.archoralbio.2011.09.007. ISSN 0003-9969.
External links
- Overview at tufts.edu
- cranialnerves at The Anatomy Lesson by Wesley Norman (Georgetown University)