Maxillary nerve

MAXILLARY NERVE

Course, branches, posterior superior alveolar nerve, zygomatic nerve and infraorbital nerve

Course Branches Middle Cranial Fossa Pterygopalatine Fossa Zygomatic Nerve Infraorbital Nerve Infraorbital Branches
01

Course

  • Maxillary nerve arises from the trigeminal ganglion.
  • It runs forwards.
  • It leaves the middle cranial fossa through the foramen rotundum.
  • It then crosses the upper part of the pterygopalatine fossa.
  • Beyond the pterygopalatine fossa, it continues as the infraorbital nerve.
02

Branches According to Course

The course of the maxillary nerve is divided into 4 parts:

1. In the Middle Cranial Fossa

  • Meningeal branch

2. In the Pterygopalatine Fossa

  • Ganglionic branches
  • Posterior superior alveolar nerve
  • Zygomatic nerve

3. In the Infraorbital Canal

  • Middle superior alveolar nerve
  • Anterior superior alveolar nerve

4. On the Face

  • Palpebral branch
  • Nasal branch
  • Superior labial branch
03

Branches in the Middle Cranial Fossa

Meningeal Branch
  • In the middle cranial fossa, the maxillary nerve gives a meningeal branch.
04

Branches in the Pterygopalatine Fossa

  • In the pterygopalatine fossa, the nerve is related to the pterygopalatine ganglion.
  • It gives off:
    1. Ganglionic branches
    2. Posterior superior alveolar nerve
    3. Zygomatic nerve

A. Ganglionic Branches

  • The pterygopalatine ganglion is suspended by the ganglionic branches.

B. Posterior Superior Alveolar Nerve

  • Enters the posterior surface of the body of maxilla.
  • Supplies:
    • Three upper molar teeth
    • Adjoining part of the gum
05

Zygomatic Nerve

  • It is a branch of the maxillary nerve.
  • It is given off in the pterygopalatine fossa.
  • Enters the orbit through the lateral end of the inferior orbital fissure.
  • Runs along the lateral wall of the orbit, outside the periosteum.
  • Enters the zygomatic bone.
  • Just before or after entering the bone, it divides into two terminal branches:
    1. Zygomaticofacial nerve
    2. Zygomaticotemporal nerve

Distribution

Skin of the Face

These branches supply the skin of the face.

Anterior Part of the Temple

These branches supply the skin of the anterior part of the temple.

Communicating Branch

  • A communicating branch to the lacrimal nerve arises from the zygomaticotemporal nerve.
  • It contains secretomotor fibres to the lacrimal gland.
  • It runs in the lateral wall of the orbit.
06

Infraorbital Nerve

Course

  • Infraorbital nerve is the continuation of the maxillary nerve.
  • It enters the orbit through the inferior orbital fissure.
  • It then runs forwards on:
    • The floor of the orbit, or
    • The roof of the maxillary sinus.
  • First, it runs in the infraorbital groove.
  • Then it runs in the infraorbital canal.
  • It remains outside the periosteum of the orbit.
  • It emerges on the face through the infraorbital foramen.
  • It terminates by dividing into:
    • Palpebral branches
    • Nasal branches
    • Labial branches

The Nerve Is Accompanied By

Artery

Infraorbital branch of the third part of the maxillary artery.

Vein

Accompanying vein.

07

Branches of Infraorbital Nerve

A. Middle Superior Alveolar Nerve

  • Arises in the infraorbital groove.
  • Runs in the lateral wall of the maxillary sinus.
  • Supplies the upper premolar teeth.

B. Anterior Superior Alveolar Nerve

  • Arises in the infraorbital canal.
  • Runs in a sinuous canal having a complicated course in the anterior wall of the maxillary sinus.
  • Supplies:
    1. Upper incisor teeth
    2. Canine teeth
    3. Maxillary sinus
    4. Anteroinferior part of the nasal cavity

C. Terminal Branches

  • Palpebral, nasal and labial branches supply a large area of skin on the face.
  • They also supply the mucous membrane of the upper lip and cheek.
Maxillary Nerve — Study Notes