Which cranial nerve carries motor fibers to the muscles of mastication?

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Study for the History and Physical (Handamp;P) Exam 1. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which cranial nerve carries motor fibers to the muscles of mastication?

Explanation:
Motor innervation to the muscles of mastication comes from the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve. This is the only division of CN V that carries motor fibers, and it supplies the masseter, temporalis, and the medial and lateral pterygoids, enabling chewing movements. The other nerves listed control eye movements and do not innervate the chewing muscles: oculomotor, trochlear, and abducens innervate extraocular muscles. Remember that while the trigeminal nerve is largely sensory to the face, the motor component resides specifically in the mandibular division, which exits the skull through the foramen ovale.

Motor innervation to the muscles of mastication comes from the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve. This is the only division of CN V that carries motor fibers, and it supplies the masseter, temporalis, and the medial and lateral pterygoids, enabling chewing movements. The other nerves listed control eye movements and do not innervate the chewing muscles: oculomotor, trochlear, and abducens innervate extraocular muscles. Remember that while the trigeminal nerve is largely sensory to the face, the motor component resides specifically in the mandibular division, which exits the skull through the foramen ovale.

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