Cranial Nerve V: Trigeminal Nerve

Organ system: The cranial nerves

Structure

There are three major branches:

• Ophthalmic (to the eye regions)
• Maxillary (to the upper jaw and face regions)
• Mandibular (to the lower jaw regions)

 

Functions

Sensory

• Carrying touch sensation from the tissues of the face.  

Motor

• Carrying motor signals to the muscles of mastication

 

See also

• Trigeminal neuralgia