palatine_nerve [Neurosurgery Wiki]

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The term "palatine nerve" typically refers to three main branches of the maxillary nerve (V2) that pass through the pterygopalatine ganglion and innervate parts of the palate and nasal cavity. These are:

🌟 Palatine Nerves Overview
All originate from the pterygopalatine ganglion (connected to CN V2):

Greater Palatine Nerve

Lesser Palatine Nerves (usually 2–3)

Nasopalatine Nerve (though technically not a palatine nerve, it's often included in this region)

1. Greater Palatine Nerve
Function: Sensory

Path: Travels through the greater palatine canal, exits at the greater palatine foramen.

Innervation:

Mucosa of the hard palate (posterior 2/3)

Palatal gingiva

Small branches to the posterior nasal cavity

2. Lesser Palatine Nerves
Function: Sensory + parasympathetic fibers

Path: Pass through the lesser palatine foramina

Innervation:

Soft palate

Uvula

Palatine tonsils

Some taste sensation (via facial nerve fibers that travel with V2)

3. Nasopalatine Nerve (Related)
Function: Sensory

Path: Enters the nasal septum, travels through the incisive canal to the anterior hard palate

Innervation:

Anterior hard palate (region behind upper incisors)

Nasal septum

🧠 Mnemonic to Remember
"G-L-N" = Greater, Lesser, Nasopalatine
Each one supplies a different zone of the palate:

G = posterior hard palate

L = soft palate

N = anterior hard palate