The spelling of the term "nervus mentalis" has its roots in Latin, which is why it may appear confusing to those who are not familiar with the language. In IPA phonetic transcription, it can be written as /nɛrvəs mɛnˈtælɪs/. The "nervus" part refers to a nerve, with "mental" being derived from "mentum", meaning chin. This is because the nervus mentalis is a sensory nerve that provides sensation to the chin and lower lip. Understanding the etymology of medical terms can help in spelling and pronouncing them with accuracy.
The term "nervus mentalis" is a Latin anatomical term that is commonly used in the field of biology and medicine. It specifically refers to the mental nerve, which is a sensory branch of the trigeminal nerve, a cranial nerve responsible for providing sensation to the face.
The nervus mentalis is a branch of the inferior alveolar nerve, which is derived from the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve. It emerges from the mental foramen, which is a small opening located in the lower jaw, known as the mandible. Upon emerging, the nervus mentalis travels inferiorly, supplying sensation to the skin of the chin, the lower lip, and the labial gingiva, which is the soft tissue lining the gums of the lower anterior teeth.
In addition to its sensory function, the nervus mentalis also provides motor innervation to the muscles responsible for lowering the lower lip. This nerve plays a crucial role in facial expression, as it allows for the movement and feeling in the lower region of the face.
Overall, the nervus mentalis is an important component of the trigeminal nerve system, responsible for providing both sensory and motor functions to the lower part of the face.
Mental nerve, a branch of the inferior alveolar, arising in the inferior dental canal and passing through the mental foramen to the chin and lower lip.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "nervus mentalis" has Latin origins.
The term "nervus" means "nerve" in Latin, derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *sneygʷh- which means "tendon, sinew, nerve". This root has also given rise to other related terms in English such as "nerve", "nervous", and "nervous system".
The Latin adjective "mental" refers to the "chin" or the "lower jaw". It is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *mén- which means "chin, protruding part". From Latin, this term has been borrowed into English to refer to the mind or intellect as well.
When combined, "nervus mentalis" refers to a specific nerve called "mental nerve".