Lesser palatine nerve
Branch of the maxillary nerve
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The lesser palatine nerves (posterior palatine nerve) are sensory branches of the maxillary nerve (CN V2).[1] They arise from the pterygopalatine ganglion and descend through the lesser palatine canal and emerge (separately) through the lesser palatine foramen to pass posterior-ward at the soft palate.[2] They provide sensory innervation to the mucosa of the soft palate, tonsil,[2][3] and uvula.[3][4] The nerves also carry autonomic fibers that contribute to the palatine glands.[5] The lesser palatine nerve is relevant in dental anesthesia and in surgical procedures involving the posterior palate.[6]
InnervatesSoft palate, tonsil, and uvula
Latinnervi palatini minores
| Lesser palatine nerve | |
|---|---|
The sphenopalatine ganglion and its branches. (Lesser palatine nerve at bottom right.) | |
| Details | |
| From | Pterygopalatine ganglion |
| Innervates | Soft palate, tonsil, and uvula |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | nervi palatini minores |
| TA98 | A14.2.01.047 |
| TA2 | 6227 |
| FMA | 52805 |
| Anatomical terms of neuroanatomy | |
