The spelling of "nervus maxillaris superior" may seem daunting, but it can be broken down with the help of IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) transcription. "Nervus" is pronounced /nɛr.vus/, while "maxillaris" is /mæk.si.ˈlɑr.ɪs/. "Superior" can be split into two syllables: /su.ˈpɪə.ri.ər/. Putting it all together, the word is pronounced /nɛr.vus mæk.si.ˈlɑr.ɪs su.ˈpɪə.ri.ər/. This vocabulary term refers to a nerve that originates from the upper jaw and supplies sensation to the upper teeth and mouth.
The term "nervus maxillaris superior" refers to one of the branches of the trigeminal nerve, also known as the fifth cranial nerve or simply CN V. The trigeminal nerve is responsible for transmitting sensory information from the face to the brain, as well as controlling the muscles required for chewing.
Specifically, the nervus maxillaris superior is the upper division of the maxillary nerve, which is itself the second division of the trigeminal nerve. This branch supplies sensory innervation to various areas of the face, including the upper and lateral parts of the cheeks, the lower eyelids, the nasal septum, and the upper lip. Additionally, it carries sensory information from the maxillary teeth and the mucous membranes of the nasal cavity.
The nervus maxillaris superior emerges from the middle cranial fossa through the foramen rotundum, an opening located within the greater wing of the sphenoid bone. After exiting this opening, the nerve courses through the pterygopalatine fossa and gives rise to various branches that supply sensation to the aforementioned regions.
Overall, the nervus maxillaris superior plays a crucial role in facial sensation and innervation, contributing to the overall functioning of the trigeminal nerve and ensuring proper sensory input and motor control in the face.
Superior maxillary nerve, n. maxillaris.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.