The Trigeminal Nerve: Anatomy and Pathology

Semin Ultrasound CT MR. 2022 Oct;43(5):403-413. doi: 10.1053/j.sult.2022.04.002. Epub 2022 Apr 6.

Abstract

The trigeminal nerve is the fifth cranial nerve and is a sensory-motor nerve that provides the innervation to the face with its three roots. The trigeminal nerve can be affected by several diseases, such as vascular conflict, congenital malformation, inflammatory or neoplastic diseases. Magnetic Resonance Imaging plays a crucial role in its evaluation. This article aims to review the trigeminal nerve anatomy, discuss the best magnetic resonance imaging techniques to evaluate each nerve segment, and demonstrate the imaging aspect of the diseases that most commonly affect it.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Trigeminal Nerve* / anatomy & histology
  • Trigeminal Nerve* / pathology