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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
This led them to the opening—the end of the trigeminal nerve that was in open contact with the cerebrospinal fluid.
—Matthew Ponsford, WIRED, 19 Sep. 2024
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
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Word History
First Known Use
1830, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near trigeminal nerve
Cite this Entry
“Trigeminal nerve.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trigeminal%20nerve. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.
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
More from Merriam-Webster on trigeminal nerve
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about trigeminal nerve
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