Question

The trigeminal nerve arises from the brain in the region of

• A. pons and divides into ophthalmic, maxillary and mandibular branches
• B. medulla and divides into palatine, chorda tympani and hyomandibular branches
• C. cerebellum and divides into palatine, chorda tympani and hyomandibular branches
• D. cerebellum and divides into ophthalmic, maxillary and mandibular branches
• E. hypothalamus and divides into palatine, chorda tympani and hyomandibular branches

Answer 1

The correct option is A

pons and divides into ophthalmic, maxillary and mandibular branches

The trigeminal nerve is the fifth paired cranial nerve. It is also the largest cranial nerve. These fibers originate in the motor nucleus of the fifth nerve, which is located near the main trigeminal nucleus in the pons. The three major branches of the trigeminal nerve are - the ophthalmic nerve (V₁), the maxillary nerve (V₂) and the mandibular nerve (V₃).