trigeminal nerve

noun

: either of a pair of large mixed nerves that are the fifth cranial nerves and supply motor and sensory fibers mostly to the face

called also trigeminal

Examples of trigeminal nerve in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The membrane releases chemicals that activate the trigeminal nerve (a large nerve responsible for sensation in the face), which then sends an electric signal to a part of the brainstem called the medulla oblongata. —Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 8 Aug. 2024

The trigeminal nerve transmits sensations from the face and controls the chewing muscles. —Michael Menna, Verywell Health, 11 July 2024

During migraines, the brain and nerves, especially the trigeminal nerves, release many inflammatory chemicals and proteins, Leon Barkodar, MD, a neurologist at Neurology Los Angeles, told Verywell. —Syeda Khaula Saad, Verywell Health, 3 Apr. 2024

This causes the trigeminal nerve to increase mucus production, leading to a runny nose. —Anthea Levi, Health, 30 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

trigeminal nerve

noun

: either of the fifth pair of cranial nerves that are mixed nerves and in humans are the largest of the cranial nerves and that arise by a small motor root and a larger sensory root which both emerge from the side of the pons with the sensory root bearing the trigeminal ganglion and dividing into ophthalmic, maxillary, and mandibular nerves and the motor root supplying fibers to the mandibular nerve and through this to the muscles of mastication

called also fifth cranial nerve, trifacial nerve, trigeminus