Maxillary Nerve

Q: What are the functions of the pterygopalatine ganglion and which branches connect to it?

The pterygopalatine ganglion (ganglion pterygopalatinum) is a parasympathetic ganglion of the face associated with the second division of the trigeminal nerve. Ganglionic branches pass from the maxillary nerve (n. maxillaris, V2) to the ganglion pterygopalatinum.

Nervus maxillaris

For medical students2 min readUpdated 2026-10-10

The maxillary nerve (nervus maxillaris, or V2) is a purely sensory nerve representing the second division of the trigeminal nerve. It provides sensory innervation to the maxillary teeth, the nasal mucosa and palate, and the skin of the middle third of the face (lower eyelid, cheek, and upper lip).

Fiber typePurely sensory nerve

Skull exitPasses through the foramen rotundum

TopographyEnters the pterygopalatine fossa

InnervationMaxillary teeth, palate, nasal cavity, cheek

Course and Initial Branches

Functionally, the maxillary nerve is entirely sensory. Its pathway begins within the cranial cavity, from where the nerve courses toward its exit through the foramen rotundum. After passing through this opening, the nerve trunk enters the pterygopalatine fossa, where its main division occurs.

Even before exiting the cranial cavity, a meningeal branch (r. meningeus) arises from the nerve trunk. Its primary function is to provide sensory innervation to the dura mater.

Main Branches in the Pterygopalatine Fossa

Upon reaching the pterygopalatine fossa, the nervus maxillaris gives rise to several crucial branches that supply sensory innervation to various structures of the facial skeleton:

Posterior superior alveolar branches (nn. alveolares superiores posteriores): Participate in the innervation of the maxillary teeth.
Ganglionic branches: Run toward the pterygopalatine ganglion (ganglion pterygopalatinum).
Zygomatic nerve (n. zygomaticus): This branch further divides into two terminal branches: the zygomaticofacial branch (r. zygomaticofacialis) and the zygomaticotemporal branch (r. zygomaticotemporalis).

Together with the terminal segment of the nerve, these branches innervate extensive areas: the skin of the lower eyelid, cheek, and upper lip, as well as the mucosa of the nasal cavity and palate.

Infraorbital Nerve

The infraorbital nerve (n. infraorbitalis) is the direct and largest continuation of the maxillary nerve. Along its course, it gives off multiple branches to the structures of the face and the dentoalveolar system.

Branches of the infraorbital nerve include:

Middle superior alveolar branch (r. alveolaris superior medius).
Anterior superior alveolar branches (rr. alveolares superiores anteriores).
Inferior palpebral branches (rr. palpebrales inferiores) — provide sensation to the skin of the lower eyelid.
External and internal nasal branches (rr. nasales externi et interni) — innervate the corresponding regions of the nose.
Superior labial branches (rr. labiales superiores) — responsible for the sensation of the upper lip.

Frequently asked questions

What are the functions of the pterygopalatine ganglion and which branches connect to it?

The pterygopalatine ganglion (ganglion pterygopalatinum) is a parasympathetic ganglion of the face associated with the second division of the trigeminal nerve.

Ganglionic branches pass from the maxillary nerve (n. maxillaris, V2) to the ganglion pterygopalatinum.

What are the exact exit points of the infraorbital nerve branches on the face?

The infraorbital nerve emerges onto the face through the infraorbital foramen into the loose connective tissue of the canine fossa, where it forms the minor "goose's foot" (pes anserinus minor).

Here, it gives off its terminal branches:

Inferior palpebral branches (rr. palpebrales inferiores) — travel to the skin of the lower eyelid.
External and internal nasal branches (rr. nasales externi et interni) — run to the lateral surface of the nose.
Superior labial branches (rr. labiales superiores) — innervate the skin and mucosa of the upper lip.

Which trigeminal nuclei are associated with the sensory fibers of the maxillary nerve?

The sensory fibers of the maxillary nerve transmit afferent information to three sensory nuclei of the trigeminal nerve in the brainstem.

Chief sensory nucleus (nucleus principalis n. trigemini) — receives fibers for discriminative touch (tactile sensation, pressure).
Spinal trigeminal nucleus (nucleus spinalis n. trigemini) — receives fibers for pain and temperature sensation.
Mesencephalic nucleus (nucleus mesencephalicus n. trigemini) — receives fibers for proprioceptive sensation.

Does the maxillary nerve contain motor fibers?

No, the maxillary nerve is purely sensory. Motor and parasympathetic fibers are absent within the nerve trunk itself.

Through which foramen does the nerve leave the cranial cavity?

The trunk of the maxillary nerve passes through the foramen rotundum, after which it directly enters the pterygopalatine fossa.

What does the meningeal branch innervate?

The meningeal branch (r. meningeus) provides sensory innervation to the dura mater.

Into which branches does the zygomatic nerve divide?

The zygomatic nerve (n. zygomaticus) divides into two main branches: the zygomaticofacial (r. zygomaticofacialis) and zygomaticotemporal (r. zygomaticotemporalis) branches.

Go deeper

Topography and boundaries of the pterygopalatine fossa
Connections of the maxillary nerve with the pterygopalatine ganglion (ganglion pterygopalatinum)
Formation of the superior dental plexus from alveolar branches
Areas of innervation of the terminal branches of the infraorbital nerve on the face