Mandibular Nerve: The third division of the trigeminal nerve. This nerve leaves the skull through the foramen ovale and provides motor innervation to the muscles of mastication, to the tensor palati, the tensor tympani, the anterior belly of the digastric and the mylohyoid muscles. It provides general sensory innervation to the teeth and gingiva, the mucosa, of the cheek and floor of mouth, the epithelium of the anterior two-thirds of the tongue, the meninges, and the skin of the lower portion of the face.

 

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Mandibular Nerve: The third division of the trigeminal nerve. This nerve leaves the skull through the foramen ovale and provides motor innervation to the muscles of mastication, to the tensor palati, the tens . . . View Full Definition

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ): The connecting hinge mechanism between the upper jaw and the base of the skull.

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Syndrome: The problems associated with TMJ, usually involving pain or discomfort in the joints and ligaments that attach the lower jaw to the skull or in the muscles used for chewing.

Nerves: Bundles of neuronal processes enclosed in connective tissue that carry signals to and from the central nervous system.