Sensory Innervation of the Face

Additional Sensory Contributions: Facial and Cervical Nerves

The human face receives sensory input from multiple nerves, primarily the trigeminal nerve (CN V), but also supplemented by branches of facial and cervical nerves.

Primary Sensory Nerve: Trigeminal Nerve

The trigeminal nerve is the largest cranial nerve and is responsible for most facial sensation.

• Ophthalmic Division (V1): Provides sensation to the forehead, scalp, upper eyelid, and nose.
• Maxillary Division (V2): Innervates the cheeks, upper lip, lower eyelid, and nasal mucosa.
• Mandibular Division (V3): Responsible for sensation in the lower lip, chin, and parts of the ear.

Additional Sensory Contributions

While the trigeminal nerve dominates facial sensation, additional nerves play a role:

• Facial Nerve (CN VII): Though primarily motor, it carries some sensory fibers contributing to taste and sensation in parts of the external ear.
• Cervical Nerves: The great auricular nerve (C2-C3) provides sensation to the lower face, jawline, and parts of the external ear.

Clinical Significance

Damage to sensory nerves can lead to conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia, a severe pain disorder affecting facial nerves. Cervical nerve compression may also cause referred facial pain.