Trigeminal Nerve

EYESNerves of the eyes
 * http://221.186.138.155/project/vbob/GraysAnatomy2/pages/mod_200.html

Henry Gray (1821–1865). Anatomy of the Human Body. 1918. (N. Trigeminus; Fifth Or Trifacial Nerve)
 * 5e. The Trigeminal Nerve
 * 5e-2 Mandibular nerve


 * The trigeminal nerve is the largest cranial nerve
 * The trigeminal nerve is the great sensory nerve of the head and face.
 * The trigeminal nerve is the motor nerve of the muscles of mastication.
 * The trigeminal nerve emerges from the side of the pons, near its upper border.
 * The trigeminal nerve emerges by a small motor and a large sensory root.
 * the motor root of the trigeminal nerve is situated in front of and medial to the sensory root of the trigeminal nerve.

Motor Root of the trigeminal nerve

 * The fibers of the motor root of the trigeminal nerve arise from a superior nucleus and an inferior nucleus.


 * The semilunar ganglion is in cavum Meckelii.
 * Cavum meckelii is a space of trigeminal impression covered by dura mater.
 * Trigeminal impression is near the apex of the petrous part of the temporal bone.
 * The semilunar ganglion is AKA Gasserian ganglion.
 * The semilunar ganglion is somewhat crescentic in shape, with its convexity directed forward: medially,
 * The semilunar ganglion is in relation with the internal carotid artery and the posterior part of the cavernous sinus.
 * The motor root of trigeminal nerve runs in front of and medial to the sensory root of trigeminal nerve.
 * The motor root of trigeminal nerve passes beneath the ganglion;
 * The motor root of trigeminal nerve leaves the skull through the foramen ovale.
 * The motor root of trigeminal nerve joins the mandibular nerve immediately below foramen ovale.
 * The greater superficial petrosal nerve lies also underneath the semilunar ganglion.
 * The semilunar ganglion receives filaments from the carotid plexus of the sympathetic, on its medial side.
 * The semilunar ganglion give off minute branches to the tentorium cerebelli.
 * The semilunar ganglion give off minute branches to the dura mater in the middle fossa of the cranium.
 * The semilunar ganglion's convex border is directed forward and lateralward.
 * three large nerves proceed From The semilunar ganglion.
 * the ophthalmic nerve is one of three nerves proceed from The semilunar ganglion.
 * maxillary nerve is one of three nerves proceed from The semilunar ganglion.
 * The mandibular nerve is one of three nerves proceed from The semilunar ganglion.
 * The ophthalmic nerve consist exclusively of sensory fibers.
 * The maxillary nerve consist exclusively of sensory fibers.
 * the mandibular nerve is joined by the motor root outside the cranium
 * Associated with the three divisions of the trigeminal nerve are four small ganglia.


 * The ciliary ganglion receives sensory filaments from the ophthalmic nerve.
 * the sphenopalatine ganglion receives sensory filaments from the maxillary nerve.
 * the otic ganglion and submaxillary ganglia receive sensory filaments from the mandibular nerve.
 * The ciliary ganglion,the sphenopalatine ganglion, the otic ganglion and submaxillary ganglion receive motor and sympathetic filaments from various sources.

The Ophthalmic Nerve (n. ophthalmicus, CN5-1) (Figs. 776, 777)
Picture from Anatomy at a Glance 2nd ed.FAIZ and MOFFAT
 * The Ophthalmic Nerve is AKA the first division of trigeminal nerve.
 * The Ophthalmic Nerve is a sensory nerve.
 * The Ophthalmic Nerve supplies branches to the cornea, ciliary body, and iris; to the lacrimal gland and conjunctiva; to the part of the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity; and to the skin of the eyelids, eyebrow, forehead, and nose.
 * The Ophthalmic Nerve is the smallest of the three divisions of the trigeminal nerve.
 * The Ophthalmic Nerve arises from the upper part of the semilunar ganglion as a short, flattened band, about 2.5 cm. long.
 * The Ophthalmic Nerve passes forward along the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus, below the oculomotor nerve and trochlear nerves in the cranium.
 * The Ophthalmic Nerve divides three ways into  lacrimal nerve, frontal nerve, and nasociliary nerve just before entering the orbit.
 * Trifurcating branches of the ophthalmic nerve (CN5-1) are the lacrimal nerve, frontal nerve, nasociliary nerve.
 * The thrifurcating branches of Ophthalmic Nerve enter the orbit through the superior orbital fissure.
 * The ophthalmic nerve is joined by filaments from the cavernous plexus of the sympathetic nerve.
 * The ophthalmic nerve communicates with the oculomotor, trochlear, and abducent nerves via the cavernous plexus.
 * The ophthalmic nerve gives off a recurrent filament which passes between the layers of the tentorium cerebelli.

FIG. 777– Nerves of the orbit, and the ciliary ganglion. Side view. (See enlarged image)

The Lacrimal Nerve (n. lacrimalis, CN5-1-1)

 * The Lacrimal Nerve is the smallest of the three branches of the ophthalmic nerve.
 * The Lacrimal Nerve sometimes receives a filament from the trochlear nerve, but this is possibly derived from the branch which goes from the ophthalmic to the trochlear nerve.
 * The Lacrimal Nerve passes forward in a separate tube of dura mater,
 * The Lacrimal Nerve enters the orbit through the narrowest part of the superior orbital fissure.
 * The Lacrimal Nerve runs along the upper border of the Rectus lateralis, with the lacrimal artery,In the orbit.
 * The Lacrimal Nerve communicates with the zygomatic branch of the maxillary nerve in the orbit.
 * The Lacrimal Nerve enters the lacrimal gland and gives off several filaments, which supply the gland and the conjunctiva.
 * The Lacrimal Nerve pierces the orbital septum, and ends in the skin of the upper eyelid, joining with filaments of the facial nerve.
 * The lacrimal nerve is occasionally absent, and replaced by the zygomaticotemporal branch of the maxillary nerve.
 * Sometimes the zygomaticotemporal branch of the maxillary nerveis absent and replaced by a continuation of the lacrimal nerve.

The Frontal Nerve (n. frontalis, CN5-1-2)
--- --
 * The Frontal Nerve is the largest branch of the ophthalmic nerve.
 * The Frontal Nerve may be regarded, both from its size and direction, as the continuation of the trigeminal nerve.
 * The Frontal Nerve enters the orbit through the superior orbital fissure
 * The Frontal Nerve runs forward between the Levator palpebrae superioris and the periosteum of the orbit.
 * The Frontal Nerve divides into two branches, supratrochlear nerve and supraorbital nerve, midway between the apex and base of the orbit.
 * The supratrochlear nerve (n. supratrochlearis),is the smaller than supraorbital nerve.
 * The supratrochlear nerve passes above the pulley of the Obliquus superior, and gives off a descending filament, to join the infratrochlear branch of the nasociliary nerve.
 * The supratrochlear nerve escapes from the orbit between the pulley of the Obliquus superior and the supraorbital foramen,
 * The supratrochlear nerve curves up on to the forehead close to the bone
 * The supratrochlear nerve ascends beneath the Corrugator muscle and Frontalis muscle piercing the muscle with its branches.
 * The supratrochlear nerve supplies the skin of the lower part of the forehead close to the middle line.
 * The supratrochlear nerve sends filaments to the conjunctiva and skin of the upper eyelid.
 * The supraorbital nerve passes through the supraorbital foramen.
 * The supraorbital nerve gives off palpebral filaments to the upper eyelid at the supraorbital foramen.
 * The supraorbital nerve ends in two branches, a medial branch and a lateral branch.
 * The supraorbital nerve supply the integument of the scalp, reaching nearly as far back as the lambdoidal suture.
 * The terminal branches of The supraorbital nerve are at first situated beneath the Frontalis muscle
 * The terminal branches of The supraorbital nerve perforates the frontalis muscle, and the galea aponeurotica.
 * terminal branches of supraorbital nerve supply small twigs to the pericranium.

The Nasociliary Nerve (n. nasociliaris; nasal nerve, CN5-1-3)
-- -
 * The Nasociliary Nerve is intermediate in size between the frontal nerve and lacrimal nerve.
 * The Nasociliary Nerve is more deeply placed than frontal nerve and lacrimal nerve.
 * The Nasociliary Nerve enters the orbit between the two heads of the Rectus lateralis,
 * The Nasociliary Nerve enters the orbit between the superior ramus of oculomotor nerve and inferior ramus of the oculomotor nerve.
 * The Nasociliary Nerve passes across the optic nerve and runs obliquely beneath the Rectus superior and Obliquus superior, to the medial wall of the orbital cavity.
 * The Nasociliary Nerve passes into the cranium through the anterior ethmoidal foramen at the medial wall of the orbital cavity.
 * The Nasociliary Nerve traverses a shallow groove on the lateral margin of the front part of the cribriform plate of the ethmoid bone, and runs down, through a slit at the side of the crista galli, into the nasal cavity.
 * The Nasociliary Nerve supplies internal nasal branches to the mucous membrane of the front part of the nasal septum and lateral wall of the nasal cavity.
 * The Nasociliary Nerve emerges between the lower border of the nasal bone and the lateral nasal cartilage as the external nasal branch of nasociliary nerve.
 * the external nasal branch of nasociliary nerve supplies the skin of the ala and apex of the nose, passing down beneath the Nasalis muscle.
 * The nasociliary nerve gives off the following branches, viz.: the long root of the ciliary ganglion, the long ciliary nerve, and the ethmoidal nerves.
 * The long root of the ciliary ganglion usually arises from the nasociliary nerve between the two heads of the Rectus lateralis.
 * The long root of the ciliary ganglion passes forward on the lateral side of the optic nerve,
 * The long root of the ciliary ganglion enters the postero-superior angle of the ciliary ganglion.
 * The long root of the ciliary ganglion is sometimes joined by a filament from the cavernous plexus of the sympathetic, or from the superior ramus of the trochlear nerve when entering the ciliary ganglion.
 * The long ciliary nerves are two or three in number.
 * The long ciliary nerves emerge from the nasociliary nerve as it crosses the optic nerve.
 * The long ciliary nerves accompany the short ciliary nerves from the ciliary ganglion.
 * The long ciliary nerves pierce the posterior part of the sclera.
 * The long ciliary nerves run forward between sclera and the choroid.
 * The long ciliary nerves are distributed to the iris and cornea.
 * The long ciliary nerves are supposed to contain sympathetic fibers from the superior cervical ganglion to the Dilator pupillae muscle.
 * The infratrochlear nerve is given off from the nasociliary nerve just before it enters the anterior ethmoidal foramen.
 * The infratrochlear nerve runs forward along the upper border of the Rectus medialis.
 * The infratrochlear nerve is joined by a filament from the supratrochlear nerve, near the pulley of the Obliquus superior.
 * The infratrochlear nerve then passes to the medial angle of the eye.
 * The infratrochlear nerve supplies the skin of the eyelids and side of the nose, the conjunctiva, lacrimal sac, and caruncula lacrimalis.
 * The ethmoidal nerves supply the ethmoidal cells;
 * the posterior branch of the ethmoidal nerve leaves the orbital cavity through the posterior ethmoidal foramen.
 * the posterior branch of the ethmoidal nerve gives some filaments to the sphenoidal sinus.

The Ciliary Ganglion (ophthalmic or lenticular ganglion) (Figs. 775, 777)

 * The ciliary ganglion is a small, sympathetic ganglion.
 * The ciliary ganglion has a reddish-gray color.
 * The ciliary ganglion is about the size of a pin’s head.
 * The ciliary ganglion is situated at the back part of the orbit, in some loose fat between the optic nerve and the Rectus lateralis muscle.
 * The ciliary ganglion is lying generally on the lateral side of the ophthalmic artery.
 * The ciliary ganglion's roots are three in number, and enter its posterior border.
 * the long root (or sensory root of the ciliary ganglion), is derived from the nasociliary nerve.
 * the long root (or sensory root) of the ciliary ganglion joins its postero-superior angle.
 * The short (or motor root of the ciliary ganglion) occasionally divided into two parts.
 * The short (or motor root of the ciliary ganglion) is a thick nerve derived from the branch of the oculomotor nerve to the Obliquus inferior nerve.
 * The short (or motor root of the ciliary ganglion) enters the postero-inferior angle of the ganglion.
 * The motor root of the ciliary ganglion is supposed to contain sympathetic efferent fibers (preganglionic fibers) from the nucleus of the third nerve to the ciliary ganglion.
 * In ciliary ganglion preganglionic fibers form synapses with neurons whose fibers (postganglionic) pass to the Ciliary muscle and to Sphincter muscle of the pupil.
 * The sympathetic root of ciliary ganglion is a slender filament from the cavernous plexus of the sympathetic nerve.
 * The sympathetic root of ciliary ganglion is frequently blended with the long root of ciliary ganglion.
 * According to Tiedemann, the ciliary ganglion receives a twig of communication from the sphenopalatine ganglion.	  21
 * The ciliary ganglion's branches are the short ciliary nerves.
 * the short ciliary nerves are delicate filaments, from six to ten in number,
 * the short ciliary nerves arise from the forepart of the ganglion in two bundles connected with its superior and inferior angles;
 * the lower bundle of short ciliary nerves is the larger.
 * the short ciliary nerves run forward with the ciliary arteries in a wavy course, one set above and the other below the optic nerve,
 * the short ciliary nerves are accompanied by the long ciliary nerves from the nasociliary nerve.
 * the short ciliary nerves pierce the sclera at the back part of the bulb of the eye.
 * the short ciliary nerves pass forward in delicate grooves on the inner surface of the sclera.
 * the short ciliary nerves are distributed to the Ciliaris muscle, iris, and cornea.
 * Tiedemann has described a small branch of the short ciliary nerve as penetrating the optic nerve with the arteria centralis retinæ.
 * [Pocket Atlas] Ciliary ganglion is located about 2cm behind the eyeball.
 * [Pocket Atlas] Ciliary ganglion is located lateral to the optic nerve.
 * [Pocket Atlas] Ciliary ganglion is a parasympathetic ganglion.
 * [Pocket Atlas] Ciliary ganglion receives preganglionic parasympathetic fibers from oculomotor nerve.
 * [Pocket Atlas] Ciliary ganglion receives preganglionic sympathetic fibers from carotid plexus.
 * [Pocket Atlas] Ciliary ganglion innervates ciliary muscle and sphincter pupillae muscle.

The Maxillary Nerve (CN5-2)
(Fig. 778),
 * The Maxillary Nerve is AKA second division of the trigeminal nerve.
 * The Maxillary Nerve is a sensory nerve.
 * The Maxillary Nerve is intermediate, both in position and size, between the ophthalmic and mandibular.
 * The Maxillary Nerve begins at the middle of the semilunar ganglion as a flattened plexiform band.
 * The Maxillary Nerve leaves the skull through the foramen rotundum,
 * The Maxillary Nerve becomes more cylindrical in form and firmer in texture beyond foramen rotundum.
 * The Maxillary Nerve crosses the pterygopalatine fossa and enters the orbit through the inferior orbital fissure;
 * The Maxillary Nerve traverses the infraorbital groove and canal in the floor of the orbit, and appears upon the face at the infraorbital foramen.
 * The Maxillary Nerve lies beneath the Quadratus labii superioris At its termination.
 * The Maxillary Nerve divides into a leash of branches which spread out upon the side of the nose, the lower eyelid, and the upper lip, joining with filaments of the facial nerve.

Branches of maxillary nerve (CN5-2-1~5)

 * Branches of maxillary nerve may be divided into four groups, according to the branching location.

-- --- -- --- -
 * Middle meningeal nerve (CN5-2-1)sprout from the maxillary nerve in the cranium.
 * Zygomatic nerve (CN5-2-2) sprout from the maxillary nerve in the Pterygopalatine Fossa.
 * Sphenopalatine nerve (CN5-2-3) sprout from the maxillary nerve in the Pterygopalatine Fossa.
 * Posterior superior alveolar nerve (CN5-2-4)sprout from the maxillary nerve in the Pterygopalatine Fossa.
 * Trunk of maxillary nerve between Pterygopalatine Fossa and the outlet of infraorbital canal is lately termed infraorbital nerve (CN5-2-5) (OK memo).
 * Anterior superior alveolar nerve sprout from the infraorbital nerve in the Infraorbital Canal.
 * Middle superior alveolar nerve sprout from infraorbital nerve in the Infraorbital Canal.
 * Inferior palpebral nerve is one of the terminal branches the infraorbital nerve on the face.
 * External nasal nerve one of the terminal branches the infraorbital nerve on the face.
 * Superior labial nerve one of the terminal branches the infraorbital nerve on the face.
 * The Middle Meningeal Nerve(CN5-2-1) is AKA n. meningeus medius.
 * The Middle Meningeal Nerve is AKA meningeal branch of maxillary nerve.
 * The Middle Meningeal Nerve is given off from the maxillary nerve directly after its origin from the semilunar ganglion.
 * The Middle Meningeal Nerve accompanies the middle meningeal artery and supplies the dura mater.
 * The Zygomatic Nerve (CN5-2-2) is a branch of maxillary nerve (CN5-2).
 * The Zygomatic Nerve is AKA n. zygomaticus
 * The Zygomatic Nerve is AKA temporomalar nerve
 * The Zygomatic Nerve is AKA orbital nerve
 * The Zygomatic Nerve arises in the pterygopalatine fossa.
 * The Zygomatic Nerve enters the orbit by the inferior orbital fissure.
 * The Zygomatic Nerve divides at the back of the orbit into zygomaticotemporal branch of Zygomatic Nerve (CN5-2-2-1)and zygomaticofacial branch of Zygomatic Nerve (CN5-2-2-2).
 * The zygomaticotemporal branch of Zygomatic Nerve runs along the lateral wall of the orbit in a groove in the zygomatic bone.
 * The zygomaticotemporal branch of Zygomatic Nerve receives a branch of communication from the lacrimal nerve in the orbit.
 * The zygomaticotemporal branch of Zygomatic Nerve enters the temporal fossa through a foramen in the zygomatic bone.
 * The zygomaticotemporal branch of Zygomatic Nerve ascends between the bone, and substance of the Temporalis muscle, pierces the temporal fascia about 2.5 cm. above the zygomatic arch.
 * The zygomaticotemporal branch of Zygomatic Nerve is distributed to the skin of the side of the forehead.
 * The zygomaticotemporal branch of Zygomatic Nerve communicates with the facial nerve and with the aurićulotemporal branch of the mandibular nerve.
 * As The zygomaticotemporal branch of Zygomatic Nerve pierces the temporal fascia, it gives off a slender twig, which runs between the two layers of the fascia to the lateral angle of the orbit.

http://221.186.138.155/project/vbob/GraysAnatomy2/images/image778.gif FIG. 778– Distribution of the maxillary and mandibular nerves, and the submaxillary ganglion. (See enlarged image)

The zygomaticofacial branch (CN5-2-2-2; ramus zygomaticofacialis; malar branch)

 * The zygomaticofacial branch of zygomatic nerve passes along the infero-lateral angle of the orbit.
 * The zygomaticofacial branch of zygomatic nerve emerges upon the face through a foramen in the zygomatic bone.
 * The zygomaticofacial branch of zygomatic nerve supplies the skin on the prominence of the cheek perforating the Orbicularis oculi.
 * The zygomaticofacial branch of zygomatic joins with the facial nerve and with the inferior palpebral branches of the maxillary nerve.

Sphenopalatine nerve (CN5-2-3)

 * The Sphenopalatine Branches (CN5-2-3) of maxillary nerve (CN5-2), two in number, descend to the sphenopalatine ganglion.
 * The Posterior Superior Alveolar Branches arise from the trunk of the nerve just before it enters the infraorbital groove.
 * The Posterior Superior Alveolar Branches are generally two in number, but sometimes arise by a single trunk.
 * The Posterior Superior Alveolar Branches descend on the tuberosity of the maxilla.
 * The Posterior Superior Alveolar Branches give off several twigs to the gums and neighboring parts of the mucous membrane of the cheek.
 * The Posterior Superior Alveolar Branches enter the posterior alveolar canals on the infratemporal surface of the maxilla.
 * The Posterior Superior Alveolar Branches communicate with the middle superior alveolar nerve in the substance of the bone.
 * The Posterior Superior Alveolar Branches give off branches to the lining membrane of the maxillary sinus and three twigs to each molar tooth.
 * the twigs from The Posterior Superior Alveolar Branches enter the foramina at the apices of the roots of the teeth.

The Middle Superior Alveolar Branch (CN5-2-4)

 * The Middle Superior Alveolar Branch of maxillary nerve is AKA ramus alveolaris superior medius
 * The Middle Superior Alveolar Branch of maxillary nerve is AKA middle superior dental branch.
 * The Middle Superior Alveolar Branch of maxillary nerve is given off from the nerve in the posterior part of the infraorbital canal.
 * The Middle Superior Alveolar Branch of maxillary nerve runs downward and forward in a canal in the lateral wall of the maxillary sinus to supply the two premolar teeth.
 * The Middle Superior Alveolar Branch of maxillary nerve forms a superior dental plexus with the anterior and posterior superior alveolar branches of zygomatic nerve.

The Anterior Superior Alveolar Branch

 * The Anterior Superior Alveolar Branch is a branch of infraorbital nerve.


 * The Anterior Superior Alveolar Branch is AKA ramus alveolaris superior anteriores.
 * The Anterior Superior Alveolar Branch is AKA anterior superior dental branch
 * The Anterior Superior Alveolar Branch has considerable size.
 * The Anterior Superior Alveolar Branch is given off from the infraorbital nerve just before its exit from the infraorbital foramen.
 * The Anterior Superior Alveolar Branch descends in a canal in the anterior wall of the maxillary sinus.
 * The Anterior Superior Alveolar Branch divides into branches which supply the incisor teeth and canine teeth in canal of maxillary sinus.
 * The Anterior Superior Alveolar Branch communicates with the middle superior alveolar branch.
 * The Anterior Superior Alveolar Branch supplies the mucous membrane of the anterior part of the inferior meatus and the floor of the nasal cavity, communicating with the nasal branches from the sphenopalatine ganglion.

FIG. 779– Alveolar branches of superior maxillary nerve and sphenopalatine ganglion. (Testut.) (See enlarged image)

The Inferior Palpebral Branches

 * The Inferior Palpebral Branches is one of the terminal branches of infraorbital nerve.
 * Infraorbital nerve is the terminal trunk of maxillary nerve.
 * The Inferior Palpebral Branches is AKA rami palpebrales inferiores
 * The Inferior Palpebral Branches is AKA palpebral branches
 * The Inferior Palpebral Branches ascend behind the Orbicularis oculi.
 * The Inferior Palpebral Branches supply the skin and conjunctiva of the lower eyelid, joining at the lateral angle of the orbit with the facial nerve and zygomaticofacial nerve.

The External Nasal Branches of infraorbital nerve

 * The External Nasal Branches is AKA rami nasales externi.
 * The External Nasal Branches supply the skin of the side of the nose and of the septum mobile nasi, and join with the terminal twigs of the nasociliary nerve.
 * The Superior Labial Branches is AKA rami labiales superiores
 * The Superior Labial Branches is AKA labial branches
 * The Superior Labial Branches is the largest and most numerous branch.
 * The Superior Labial Branches descend behind the Quadratus labii superioris
 * The Superior Labial Branches are distributed to the skin of the upper lip, the mucous membrane of the mouth, and labial glands.
 * The Superior Labial Branches are joined, immediately beneath the orbit, by filaments from the facial nerve, forming with them the infraorbital plexus.

Sphenopalatine Ganglion (ganglion of Meckel)
http://221.186.138.155/project/vbob/GraysAnatomy2/images/image780.gif
 * (ganglion of Meckel) (Fig. 780).
 * The sphenopalatine ganglion, is the largest of the sympathetic ganglia associated with the branches of the trigeminal nerve.
 * The sphenopalatine ganglion is deeply placed in the pterygopalatine fossa, close to the sphenopalatine foramen.
 * The sphenopalatine ganglion is triangular or heart-shaped.
 * The sphenopalatine ganglion has a reddish-gray color.
 * The sphenopalatine ganglion is situated just below the maxillary nerve as it crosses the fossa.
 * The sphenopalatine ganglion receives a sensory, a motor, and a sympathetic root.
 * The sphenopalatine ganglion's sensory root is derived from two sphenopalatine branches of the maxillary nerve.
 * The fibers in The sphenopalatine ganglion's sensory root, for the most part, pass directly into the palatine nerves; a few, however, enter the ganglion, constituting its sensory root.
 * The fibers in The sphenopalatine ganglion's motor root is probably derived from the nervus intermedius through the greater superficial petrosal nerve
 * The fibers in The sphenopalatine ganglion's is supposed to consist in part of sympathetic efferent (preganglionic) fibers from the medulla.
 * In the sphenopalatine ganglion they form synapses with neurons whose postganglionic axons, vasodilator and secretory fibers, are distributed with the deep branches of the trigeminal to the mucous membrane of the nose, soft palate, tonsils, uvula, roof of the mouth, upper lip and gums, and to the upper part of the pharynx.
 * the sphenopalatine ganglion's sympathetic root is derived from the carotid plexus through the deep petrosal nerve.
 * These two nerves join to form the nerve of the pterygoid canal before their entrance into the ganglion.


 * [From pocket Atlas]: Pterygopalatine ganglion is parasympathetic ganglion.
 * [From pocket Atlas]: Pterygopalatine ganglion locates the Pterygopalatine fossa close to the sphenopalatine foramen.
 * [From pocket Atlas]: Postganglionic fibers from Pterygopalatine ganglion innervate lacrimal gland and nasal gland.
 * [From pocket Atlas]: Parasympathetic root of Pterygopalatine ganglion communicates with the greater petrosal nerve.

FIG. 780– The sphenopalatine ganglion and its branches. (See enlarged image)

The greater superficial petrosal nerve

 * The greater superficial petrosal nerve is AKA n. petrosus superficialis major.
 * The greater superficial petrosal nerve is AKA large superficial petrosal nerve.
 * The greater superficial petrosal nerve is given off from the genicular ganglion of the facial nerve.
 * The greater superficial petrosal nerve passes through the hiatus of the facial canal, enters the cranial cavity, and runs forward beneath the dura mater in a groove on the anterior surface of the petrous portion of the temporal bone.
 * The greater superficial petrosal nerve then enters the cartilaginous substance which fills the foramen lacerum.
 * The greater superficial petrosal nerve joins with the deep petrosal branch to form the nerve of the pterygoid canal.

The deep petrosal nerve

 * The deep petrosal nerve is AKA n. petrosus profundus.
 * The deep petrosal nerve is AKA large deep petrosal nerve.
 * The deep petrosal nerve is given off from the carotid plexus.
 * The deep petrosal nerve runs through the carotid canal lateral to the internal carotid artery.
 * The deep petrosal nerve enters the cartilaginous substance which fills the foramen lacerum.
 * The deep petrosal nerve joins with the greater superficial petrosal nerve to form the nerve of the pterygoid canal.
 * The nerve of the pterygoid canal is AKA n. canalis pterygoidei Vidii
 * The nerve of the pterygoid canal is AKA Vidian nerve
 * The nerve of the pterygoid canal is formed by the junction of the two preceding nerves in the cartilaginous substance which fills the foramen lacerum.
 * The nerve of the pterygoid canal passes forward, through the pterygoid canal, with the corresponding artery.
 * The nerve of the pterygoid canal is joined by a small ascending sphenoidal branch from the otic ganglion.
 * The nerve of the pterygoid canal enters the pterygopalatine fossa, and joins the posterior angle of the sphenopalatine ganglion.

Distributing branches of maxillary nerve

 * Distributing branches of maxillary nerve are orbital, palatine, posterior superior nasal, and pharyngeal.
 * The orbital branches of maxillary nerve are two or three delicate filaments, which enter the orbit by the inferior orbital fissure, and supply the periosteum.
 * The palatine nerves are distributed to the roof of the mouth, soft palate, tonsil, and lining membrane of the nasal cavity.
 * Most of The palatine nerves's fibers are derived from the sphenopalatine branches of the maxillary nerve.
 * The anterior palatine nerve descends through the pterygopalatine canal, emerges upon the hard palate through the greater palatine foramen, and passes forward in a groove in the hard palate, nearly as far as the incisor teeth.
 * The anterior palatine nerve supplies the gums, the mucous membrane and glands of the hard palate, and communicates in front with the terminal filaments of the nasopalatine nerve.
 * While in the pterygopalatine canal, The anterior palatine nerve gives off posterior inferior nasal branches, which enter the nasal cavity through openings in the palatine bone, and ramify over the inferior nasal concha and middle and inferior meatuses; at its exit from the canal, a palatine branch is distributed to both surfaces of the soft palate.
 * The middle palatine nerve emerges through one of the minor palatine canals and distributes branches to the uvula, tonsil, and soft palate.
 * The middle palatine nerve is occasionally wanting.
 * The posterior palatine nerve descends through the pterygopalatine canal, and emerges by a separate opening behind the greater palatine foramen;
 * The posterior palatine nerve supplies the soft palate, tonsil, and uvula.
 * The middle and posterior palatine nerve join with the tonsillar branches of the glossopharyngeal nerve to form a plexus (circulus tonsillaris) around the tonsil.
 * The posterior superior nasal branches of maxillary nerve are distributed to the septum and lateral wall of the nasal fossa.
 * The posterior superior nasal branches of maxillary nerve enter the posterior part of the nasal cavity by the sphenopalatine foramen.
 * The posterior superior nasal branches of maxillary nerve supply the mucous membrane covering the superior and middle nasal conchae, the lining of the posterior ethmoidal cells, and the posterior part of the septum.
 * the nasopalatine nerve is longer and larger than the others.
 * the nasopalatine nerve enters the nasal cavity through the sphenopalatine foramen, passes across the roof of the nasal cavity below the orifice of the sphenoidal sinus to reach the septum, and then runs obliquely downward and forward between the periosteum and mucous membrane of the lower part of the septum.
 * the nasopalatine nerve descends to the roof of the mouth through the incisive canal and communicates with the corresponding nerve of the opposite side and with the anterior palatine nerve.
 * The nasopalatine nerve furnishes a few filaments to the mucous membrane of the nasal septum.
 * The pharyngeal nerve is AKS pterygopalatine nerve.
 * The pharyngeal nerve is a small branch arising from the posterior part of the ganglion.
 * The pharyngeal nerve passes through the pharyngeal canal with the pharyngeal branch of the internal maxillary artery.
 * The pharyngeal nerve is distributed to the mucous membrane of the nasal part of the pharynx, behind the auditory tube.