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
  

Answer 1

The correct option is A

Pons and divides into ophthalmic, maxillary and mandibular branches

The trigeminal nerve is the largest of the 12 cranial nerves. It is the fifth paired 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). It is responsible for sensations in the face and functions such as biting and chewing.