Posterior superior alveolar nerve
4864746
223968600
2008-07-06T19:16:45Z
74.4.140.164
added innervation details
{{Infobox Nerve |
Name = {{PAGENAME}} |
Latin = rami alveolares superiores posteriores nervi maxillaris |
GraySubject = 200 |
GrayPage = 890 |
Image = Gray778.png |
Caption = Distribution of the [[maxillary]] and [[mandibular nerve]]s, and the [[submaxillary ganglion]]. (Posterior sup. alveolar labeled at center.) |
Image2 = |
Caption2 = |
Innervates = [[maxillary sinus]], [[molars]], [[dental alveolus]] |
BranchFrom = |
BranchTo = |
MeshName = |
MeshNumber = |
DorlandsPre = r_02 |
DorlandsSuf = 12688688 |
}}
The '''posterior superior alveolar branches''' ('''posterior superior dental branches''') arise from the trunk of the [[maxillary nerve]] just before it enters the [[infraorbital groove]]; they are generally two in number, but sometimes arise by a single trunk.
They descend on the tuberosity of the [[maxilla]] and give off several twigs to the [[gums]] and neighboring parts of the [[mucous membrane]] of the [[cheek]].
They then enter the [[posterior alveolar canals]] on the infratemporal surface of the [[maxilla]], and, passing from behind forward in the substance of the bone, communicate with the [[middle superior alveolar nerve]], and give off branches to the lining membrane of the [[maxillary sinus]] and gingival and dental branches to each [[molar tooth]] from a [[superior dental plexus]]; these branches enter the [[foramina]] at the apices of the roots of the teeth.
The posterior superior alveolar nerve innervates the second and third maxillary molars, and two of the three roots of the maxillary first molar (all but the mesiobuccal root).
==See also==
* [[posterior superior alveolar artery]]
* [[anterior superior alveolar nerve]]
==Additional images==
<gallery>
Image:Gray157.png|Left maxilla. Outer surface.
</gallery>
==External links==
* {{NormanAnatomy|cranialnerves}} ({{NormanAnatomyFig|V}})
* {{NormanAnatomy|lesson9}} ({{NormanAnatomyFig|latnasalwall4}})
* {{LoyolaMedEd|GrossAnatomy/h_n/cn/cn1/cnb2.htm}}
{{Gray's}}
{{neuroscience-stub}}
{{Trigeminal nerve}}
[[Category:Nervous system]]