Buccal Nerve, Lateral View

Description

Arising as a sensory branch of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve (CN V3), the buccal nerve courses anteriorly from the infratemporal fossa and passes between the heads of the lateral pterygoid before descending toward the cheek. From this lateral perspective, its fibers run inferior and anterior to the temporalis and masseter, then cross the medial surface of the buccinator to reach the buccal mucosa and skin near the angle of the mouth. The parotid region and the nearby facial nerve branches can be appreciated as a separate, more superficial motor network overlying the masseter. Clear separation of sensory and motor pathways matters. Clinically, this view helps prevent a common teaching and operative error, confusing the buccal nerve (V3, sensory) with the buccal branches of the facial nerve (CN VII, motor) as they traverse the cheek in close proximity. Local anesthesia for buccal mucosa during mandibular molar procedures targets the long buccal nerve as it emerges anterior to the mandibular ramus and along the buccinator, and inadvertent injury can produce numbness of the cheek mucosa without weakness of facial expression. The relationship to the pterygoid musculature also anchors discussions of infratemporal fossa approaches and trauma patterns that can affect trigeminal sensory branches. Dental anatomy courses and oral and maxillofacial surgery teaching benefit from this lateral head and neck dissection style, since it aligns with the operative field for third molar extraction, buccal flap elevation, and vestibular injections. The illustration also supports atlas plates or journal figures that need precise labeling of trigeminal branches alongside muscles of mastication and facial expression. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.