Trigeminal nerve (CN V), root

Nervus trigeminus (radix sensoria et motoria)

NervousNervesHeadLeft and right

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What it is
The largest cranial nerve. Its thick sensory root and small motor root leave the side of the pons and run forward over the petrous ridge to the trigeminal (Gasserian) ganglion in Meckel's cave.
Function
Sensation for the whole face, scalp to the vertex, cornea, teeth, mouth and the front two-thirds of the tongue; motor to the chewing muscles.
Size
Sensory root about 4-5 mm wide; 1.5 cm to the ganglion
Clinical note
Trigeminal neuralgia - lightning stabs of facial pain - is usually caused by a looping artery pressing on this root where it enters the pons.

Contains Trigeminal ganglion

Nearby nervous structures Abducens nerve root (CN VI), Facial nerve (CN VII), trunk, Facial nerve root (CN VII), Oculomotor nerve root (CN III), Optic tract, Pons, Trigeminal nerve root (CN V), Trochlear nerve (CN IV), Vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII), Vestibulocochlear nerve root (CN VIII)