Question #371
Considering the trigeminal nerve, which of the following statements is incorrect?
The trigeminal nerve has a large sensory root and deep to this a much smaller motor root.
After passing through Meckel's cave it divides into three branches:
V1, V2 and V3. Also known as the ophthalmic, maxillary and mandibular branches respectively.
V1 is the smallest branch and passes through the cavernous sinus before entering the orbit via the supra-orbital fissure.
V2 also takes a short course through the cavernous before passing through the foramen rotundum into the pterygopalatine fossa. Here it divides into two terminal branches before entering the orbit via the infra-orbital fissure.
V3 has the shortest intracranial course, descending through the foramen ovale into the infratemporal fossa. It carries branchial motor innervation to the muscles of mastication: the pterygoids, masseter and temporalis.
All three branches of the trigeminal nerve pick up post-ganglionic parasympathetic fibres and carry them to target organs.