Which division of the trigeminal nerve contains motor fibers that innervate muscles of mastication?

Study for the NBEO Ocular Anatomy Posterior Segment and Cranial Nerves Test. Prepare using flashcards and multiple choice questions. Get ready for your exam with hints and explanations for each question!

Multiple Choice

Which division of the trigeminal nerve contains motor fibers that innervate muscles of mastication?

Explanation:
The muscles of mastication are innervated by the motor fibers that travel with the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve. This division, CN V3, carries efferent fibers to muscles derived from the first pharyngeal arch, such as the masseter, temporalis, and the pterygoids. The other divisions (V1 and V2) are purely sensory and do not supply these muscles, so they can’t provide the motor innervation to mastication. So the division that contains motor fibers to the muscles of mastication is the mandibular division, CN V3.

The muscles of mastication are innervated by the motor fibers that travel with the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve. This division, CN V3, carries efferent fibers to muscles derived from the first pharyngeal arch, such as the masseter, temporalis, and the pterygoids. The other divisions (V1 and V2) are purely sensory and do not supply these muscles, so they can’t provide the motor innervation to mastication. So the division that contains motor fibers to the muscles of mastication is the mandibular division, CN V3.

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