LINGUAL NERVE Meaning and
Definition
-
The lingual nerve is a significant sensory nerve found in the mouth and tongue region. It is a branch of the trigeminal nerve, specifically emerging from the mandibular division (V3). The lingual nerve provides sensory innervation to the anterior two-thirds of the tongue, as well as the floor of the mouth.
Originating within the infratemporal fossa, the lingual nerve descends between the lateral pterygoid muscle and the medial surface of the mandible. It then dives superiorly, running in close proximity to the lingual artery. The nerve enters the oral cavity through the posterior region of the submandibular salivary gland and continues anteriorly along the sublingual gland.
The primary function of the lingual nerve is to convey tactile, temperature, and pain sensations from the tongue and floor of the mouth to the brain. It works in conjunction with other cranial nerves, including the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) and the chorda tympani branch of the facial nerve (CN VII), to maintain the sense of taste on the anterior two-thirds of the tongue. Damage or injury to the lingual nerve can result in altered sensation, loss of taste, or pain in the tongue and oral cavity. Therefore, preservation and avoidance of the lingual nerve are crucial during surgical procedures, such as wisdom tooth extraction, to maintain normal sensory function in this area.
Common Misspellings for LINGUAL NERVE
- kingual nerve
- pingual nerve
- oingual nerve
- lungual nerve
- ljngual nerve
- lkngual nerve
- longual nerve
- l9ngual nerve
- l8ngual nerve
- libgual nerve
- limgual nerve
- lijgual nerve
- lihgual nerve
- linfual nerve
- linvual nerve
- linbual nerve
- linhual nerve
- linyual nerve
- lintual nerve
- lingyal nerve
Etymology of LINGUAL NERVE
The term "lingual nerve" is derived from a combination of Latin and English.
The term "lingual" comes from the Latin word "lingua", which means "tongue". "Lingua" is also the origin of the English word "linguistics", which refers to the study of languages. Therefore, the term "lingual" specifically relates to something associated with the tongue.
The term "nerve" comes from the Latin word "nervus", meaning "sinew" or "a tendon". In English, "nerve" refers to the bundle of fibers in the body that transmit signals between different parts, allowing for sensory perception and motor functions.
So, when combined, "lingual nerve" refers to the nerve associated with the tongue, indicating that it is responsible for transmitting signals to and from the tongue.
