THE MAXILLARY NERVE

Prepared by:
M.Krishnapiyari Devi
Roll no. 51
MAXILLAR NERVE : The maxillary nerve, the second division
(V2) of the trigeminal nerve is purely sensory
COURSE AND RELATIONS: It arises from the
convex anterior border of the trigeminal ganglion, pierces the
trigeminal cave of dura to reach the lower part of the lateral
wall of the cavernous sinus. The nerve leaves the middle
cranial fossa through foramen rotundum to reach the
pterygopalatine fossa. It traverses straight in the upper part of
the fossa and enters the orbit through inferior orbital fissure,
hence it is called infraorbital nerve. The infraorbital nerve (in
fact a continuation of maxillary nerve) runs forward along the
floor of the orbit in the infraorbital groove and canal in
succession and appears on the face, through infraorbital
foramen. Therefore in its course the maxillary nerve traverses
four regions in succession: the middle cranial fossa, the
pterygopalatine fossa, the orbit and the face.
 Branches and Distribution
The maxillary nerve gives off the following branches:
BRANCHES AND DISTRIBUTION
A.In the Middle Cranial Fossa
1.Meningeal branch, which supplies the dura mater of the
middle cranial fossa.
B.In the Pterygo-palatine Fossa
1. Ganglionic (communicating) branches, two in number to
pterygopalatine ganglion.
2. Zygomatic nerve enters the orbit through inferior orbital
fissure and divides on the lateral wall of the orbit into:
(a) a zygomaticotemporal branch, which passes through a
foramen in the zygomatic bone to supply the skin of the
temple, and
(b) a zygomaticofacial branch, which passes through the
foramen in the zygomatic bone to supply the skin of the face.

3. Posterior superior alveolar nerve enters the one or two

foramina on the posterior surface of the body of maxilla and
supplies the mucus membrane of the maxillary air sinus. Then
it breaks up to form superior dental plexus, which supplies the
molar teeth and adjoining part of the gum.
C. In the Orbit (infraorbital canal)
1.Middle superior alveolar nerve passes downward and forward
along the lateral wall of the maxillary sinus, joins superior dental
plexus and supplies the premolar teeth.
2. Anterior superior alveolar nerve runs in the anterior wall of the
maxillary sinus through a bony canal called canalis sinuosus and
divides into dental and nasal branches:
(a) The dental branches join the superior dental plexus and supply the
canine and incisor teeth.
(b) The nasal branches appear in the lateral wall of the inferior meatus
and supply the mucus membrane of the lateral wall and floor of
the nasal cavity.
D. On the Face
1. Palpebral branches turn upwards and supply the skin of
the lower eyelid.
2. Nasal branches supply the skin of the side of nose and
the mobile part of the nasal septum.
3. Superior labial branches supply the skin and mucus
membrane of the upper lip.