Structure and Origin
- The masseteric nerve is a branch of the mandibular nerve (CN V), which itself is a branch of the trigeminal nerve (CN V).
- It passes superior to the lateral pterygoid muscle.
- It is located anterior to the temporomandibular joint.
- It crosses the mandibular notch alongside the masseteric artery.
Course
- The masseteric nerve passes posterior to the tendon of the temporalis muscle.
- It branches out upon the surface of the masseter muscle.
- It enters the masseter muscle.
- It passes anterior to the temporomandibular joint.
- It crosses the posterior portion of the mandibular notch.
Distribution
- The masseteric nerve provides motor innervation to the masseter muscle.
- It sends articular (sensory) branches to the temporomandibular joint.
Clinical Significance
- The masseteric nerve can be harvested and used to repair paralysis of the facial nerve (CN VII).
- It has potential as a donor for facial nerve anastomosis.
- The masseteric nerve can be used in the correction of lower facial paralysis.
- It has been studied for its potential in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
- The masseteric nerve has clinical importance in facial nerve function.
Notable Points
- The masseteric nerve originates from the mandibular nerve (CN V), which is a branch of the trigeminal nerve (CN V).
- The masseteric nerve crosses the mandibular notch alongside the masseteric artery.
- The masseteric nerve enters the masseter muscle.
The masseteric nerve is a nerve of the face. It is a branch of the mandibular nerve (CN V3). It passes through the mandibular notch to reach masseter muscle. It provides motor innervation the masseter muscle, and sensory innervation to the temporomandibular joint.
| Masseteric nerve | |
|---|---|
 Mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve. (Masseteric visible near center.) | |
| Details | |
| From | mandibular nerve |
| Innervates | masseter muscle, temporomandibular joint |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | nervus massetericus |
| TA98 | A14.2.01.070 |
| TA2 | 6253 |
| FMA | 53103 |
| Anatomical terms of neuroanatomy | |
