A rare variation of mandibular nerve and an unusual course of lingual nerve – a case report

Abstract

Mandibular nerve is a branch of Trigeminal nerve which gives off Lingual, Inferior alveolar, Auriculotemporal, Buccal branch and motor branches to muscles of mastication. Anatomical variations related to mandibular nerve and its branches are of great importance to Oral maxillofacial surgeons and Dentists. During routine cadaveric dissection of infratemporal fossa of an adult male in the Institute of Anatomy, Madurai Medical College, variations in the branching pattern of mandibular nerve and an unusual course of lingual nerve were found on the left side. Such anatomical variations of mandibular nerve and its branches are of clinical significance during dental procedures and maxillofacial surgeries.

Keywords

• infratemporal fossa
• inferior alveolar nerve
• auriculo temporal nerve