What is the fifth cranial nerve?
The fifth cranial nerve, also known as the trigeminal nerve, is part of the central nervous system. This nerve is considered a sensory nerve, especially responsible as feelings perceived in the face area. Despite being classified as a sensory nerve, it is responsible for a limited amount of motor function, especially related to chewing and swallowing. The brain stem is located near the bottom of the skull in the back of the head and is responsible for functions such as consciousness, attention and excitement.
The largest of the skull nerves, the fifth cranial nerve has three branches, each of which is responsible for the feeling of face. One of the branches is also responsible for a limited motor function. Three branches of this nerve are referred to as maxillary, dolmic and mandibular branches or nerves.
The maxillary branch provides a sensational part of the face as well as the nose and faces. It is a pure sensory nerve that does not contribute to any motor function involving the face. Provides nerve inlet through the eyes and surrounding structures, includingThe skin of the forehead and nose.
The mandibular branch is the largest and also provides some engine function. This is the nervous branch responsible for the sensation at the bottom of the face. The acts of biting, chewing and swallowing are also affected by this nerve.
trigeminal neuralgia is a health condition that affects the fifth cranial nerve. The exact cause of this condition is unknown, although there are higher prevalence in patients with certain other health conditions such as multiple sclerosis. This condition causes extreme face pain can take from a few minutes to a few hours at a time. Treatment is generally administered by a dentist and often includes prescription drugs, with doses and combinations of medicine often change from time to time. In some cases, surgery is necessary to relieve the pressure of the nerve.