Abstract
The trigeminal nerve is the largest cranial nerve and gives origin to three major branches: the ophthalmic, maxillary, and mandibular nerves. They arise from the convex margin of the trigeminal ganglion (semilunar ganglion, Gasserian ganglion), the small motor root passes under the ganglion to join the mandibular nerve. The pterygopalatine fossa is a small, fat-filled space located in the deep face that serves as a major neurovascular crossroad between the oral cavity, nasal cavity, nasopharynx, orbit, masticator space, and the middle cranial fossa. Otic ganglion is located in the infratemporal fossa and is the smallest of the four parasympathetic ganglia found in the head region. Block of peripheral branches of trigeminal nerve can be used as landmark for ultrasound-guided techniques. The supraorbital foramen, infraorbital foramen, and mental foramen lie on a single line running about 2.5 cm lateral to the midfacial line and passing through the pupil.
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Jankovic, D., Tsui, B. (2022). Trigeminal Nerve Anatomy and Peripheral Branches Block. In: Jankovic, D., Peng, P. (eds) Regional Nerve Blocks in Anesthesia and Pain Therapy. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-88727-8_8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-88727-8_8
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