Lingual nerve

Last edit by Alaric Steinmetz on

Synonyms: lingual nerve, Zungennerv

The lingual nerve is a branch of the mandibular nerve, which in turn arises from the trigeminal nerve[^1].

Function

The lingual nerve provides sensory innervation to the anterior two-thirds of the tongue. The specially visceral sensory fibers (taste fibers) attached to it from the chorda tympani, a branch of the facial nerve, innervate the same area sensorily. Thus, the lingual nerve is responsible for the perception of touch, pain, and temperature, as well as for taste perception.

Illustration

Lingual nerve Grays Anatomy
Schematic illustration of the lingual nerve in an anatomical drawing from Grays Anatomy Figure 778.