Buccal nerve

Structure

Origin

The buccal nerve is a branch of the anterior division of the mandibular nerve (CN V3). It is the only sensory branch of the anterior division.

Course and relations

After branching from the anterior trunk of the mandibular nerve (CN V3), the buccal nerve passes between the two heads of the lateral pterygoid muscle, underneath the tendon of the temporalis muscle. It then passes anterior to the ramus of the mandible to first course deep to the masseter muscle, and finally anteroinferiorly upon surface of the buccinator muscle before piercing this muscle.

Communications

It connects with the buccal branches of the facial nerve on the surface of the buccinator muscle. It gives off many significant branches.

Distribution

The buccal nerve provides sensory innervation to the skin of the cheek, the buccal mucosa, buccal periodontium, and gingiva of mandibular/lower molar and second premolar teeth (until the mental foramen). It also issues proprioceptive fibres into the buccinator muscle.