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Trigeminal nerve and branches

Trigeminal nerve and branches

Overview

The trigeminal nerve is the largest cranial nerve. It controls the muscles for chewing, and it carries the sensations of touch, pain, and temperature from the face, eyes, sinuses, and mouth to the brain.

Review Date 4/10/2026

Updated by: Joseph V. Campellone, MD, Department of Neurology, Cooper Medical School at Rowan University, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.