## Divisions of the Trigeminal Nerve **Key Point:** The trigeminal nerve has three main divisions: ophthalmic (V1), maxillary (V2), and mandibular (V3). The infraorbital nerve is a branch of the **maxillary division (V2)**, not the mandibular division. ### Trigeminal Nerve Branches | Division | Main Branches | Innervation Territory | | --- | --- | --- | | **Ophthalmic (V1)** | Supraorbital, supratrochlear, lacrimal, nasociliary | Forehead, upper eyelid, cornea, meninges | | **Maxillary (V2)** | Infraorbital, superior alveolar, zygomatic, pterygopalatine | Upper teeth, upper lip, cheek, hard palate | | **Mandibular (V3)** | Inferior alveolar, lingual, buccal, auriculotemporal | Lower teeth, lower lip, anterior 2/3 tongue, skin over mandible | ### Mandibular Division (V3) Branches **High-Yield:** The mandibular division has four major sensory branches: 1. **Inferior alveolar nerve** — supplies lower teeth and mandibular periosteum 2. **Lingual nerve** — supplies anterior 2/3 of tongue (taste via chorda tympani of CN VII) 3. **Buccal nerve** — supplies mucosa of cheek and gingiva 4. **Auriculotemporal nerve** — supplies skin over temporal region and auricle ### Maxillary Division (V2) Branches **Clinical Pearl:** The infraorbital nerve is the **terminal branch of the maxillary division** and exits through the infraorbital foramen to supply the upper lip, cheek, upper teeth, and hard palate. It is **not** a branch of V3. **Mnemonic:** **ALB-A** for Mandibular (V3) branches: - **A**uriculotemporal - **L**ingual - **B**uccal - **A**lveolar (Inferior) 
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