The mental nerve is a terminal branch of which nerve?

The mental nerve is a terminal branch of which nerve?

• A. Inferior alveolar nerve
• B. Lingual nerve
• C. Buccal nerve
• D. Incisive nerve

Answer: (A)

The mental nerve is the terminal branch of the inferior alveolar nerve. As the inferior alveolar nerve travels within the mandibular canal and nears the mandible, it gives off the mental nerve near the region of the mental foramen, which then exits to supply sensation to the skin of the chin and the mucosa of the lower lip. The lingual nerve, buccal nerve, and incisive nerve are distinct branches in this region with different target areas: the lingual nerve supplies sensation to the anterior two-thirds of the tongue and floor of the mouth, the buccal nerve supplies the cheek mucosa, and the incisive nerve is the continuation that innervates the lower anterior teeth within the canal.

The mental nerve is the terminal branch of the inferior alveolar nerve. As the inferior alveolar nerve travels within the mandibular canal and nears the mandible, it gives off the mental nerve near the region of the mental foramen, which then exits to supply sensation to the skin of the chin and the mucosa of the lower lip. The lingual nerve, buccal nerve, and incisive nerve are distinct branches in this region with different target areas: the lingual nerve supplies sensation to the anterior two-thirds of the tongue and floor of the mouth, the buccal nerve supplies the cheek mucosa, and the incisive nerve is the continuation that innervates the lower anterior teeth within the canal.