Branches of Mandibular Nerve — Anterior Division
Character
The anterior division is the smaller division of the mandibular nerve. It is predominantly motor with one sensory branch (buccal nerve).
It arises from the anterior aspect of the main trunk and passes forward between the two heads of lateral pterygoid.
Branches
| Branch | Type | Course | Distribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Masseteric nerve | Motor | Passes laterally above the lateral pterygoid, through the mandibular notch | Motor to masseter; small sensory twig to temporomandibular joint |
| Deep temporal nerves (anterior and posterior) | Motor | Pass upward over the infratemporal crest of greater wing of sphenoid | Motor to temporalis muscle |
| Nerve to lateral pterygoid | Motor | Short branch directly into lateral pterygoid | Motor to lateral pterygoid |
| Buccal nerve (long buccal nerve) | Sensory | Passes between the two heads of lateral pterygoid, emerges at anterior border of masseter, pierces buccinator | Sensory to skin and mucous membrane of cheek; buccal gingiva of lower molar teeth |
Note: The buccal nerve is sensory only — it does NOT supply buccinator (which is supplied by the facial nerve, CN VII).
Summary
- Motor branches (3): Masseteric, deep temporal (anterior + posterior), nerve to lateral pterygoid
- Sensory branch (1): Buccal nerve
Key Relations
- All branches of the anterior division pass between the two heads of lateral pterygoid or above it
- The masseteric nerve and deep temporal nerves pass above the lateral pterygoid
- The buccal nerve and nerve to lateral pterygoid pass between the heads of lateral pterygoid
Mandibular Nerve | Branches of Mandibular Nerve — Posterior Division