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trigeminal nerve

(Science: anatomy, nerve) The trigeminal nerve is responsible for sensory enervation of the face and motor enervation to muscles of mastication (chewing).

There are three divisions of the fifth cranial nerve, ophthalmic, maxillary and mandibular. Lesions of the sensory root to the trigeminal nerve can result in pain or loss of sensation in the face. Lesion of the motor root result in deviation of the jaw toward the paralysed side and difficulty chewing.

Synonym: cranial nerve V.