The maxillary nerve, also known as V2, is the second division of the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V) and plays a vital role in providing sensory innervation to various regions in the upper face, including the mid-facial area, nasal cavity, and upper part of the oral cavity. Here are the main branches of the maxillary nerve:

1. Zygomatic Nerve: This branch further subdivides into:

   • Zygomaticofacial Nerve: Provides sensation to the skin of the cheek.
   • Zygomaticotemporal Nerve: Supplies sensation to the skin over the temporal region of the skull.

2. Infraorbital Nerve: This is a significant branch that exits the skull via the infraorbital foramen. It provides sensory innervation to the lower eyelid, upper lip, and part of the nasal cavity.

3. Superior Alveolar Nerves: These include:

   • Anterior Superior Alveolar Nerve: Supplies the maxillary incisors and canine teeth.
   • Middle Superior Alveolar Nerve: Supplies the maxillary premolars.
   • Posterior Superior Alveolar Nerve: Supplies the maxillary molars and the maxillary sinus.

4. Palatine Nerves: These branches include:

   • Greater Palatine Nerve: Supplies sensation to the hard palate.
   • Lesser Palatine Nerve: Supplies sensation to the soft palate and tonsil region.

5. Pharyngeal Nerve: This nerve provides sensory innervation to the pharyngeal mucosa.

6. Posterior Superior Nasal Nerves: These branches provide sensation to the nasal cavity.

For more detailed information on the anatomy and clinical significance of the maxillary nerve, you can refer to the following resources:

• Kenhub on the Maxillary Branch of the Trigeminal Nerve
• StatPearls Overview of Maxillary Nerve
• Wikipedia Page on Maxillary Nerve
• Dentalcare Course on V2 Maxillary Nerve
• Anatomy.app Encyclopedia on Maxillary Nerve

These branches are crucial for various sensory functions and have significant implications in dental and maxillofacial procedures.

Sources

Maxillary branch of the trigeminal nerve - KenhubAnatomy, Head and Neck, Maxillary Nerve - StatPearls - NCBIMaxillary nerve - WikipediaCranial Nerve V2 – Maxillary Nerve | Head and Neck Anatomy: Part IIIMaxillary nerve (CN V2) - Anatomy.app[PDF] Maxillary nerve (V2)Maxillary nerve (cranial nerve V2) | Acland's Video Atlas of Human ...

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