Middle meningeal nerve
The middle meningeal nerve, also known as the meningeal branch of the maxillary nerve, is a branch of the maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve. It supplies the dura of the middle cranial fossa.
Summary
- location: branch of maxillary nerve (CN V2)
- origin and course: originates from CN V2 nerve just proximal to the foramen rotundum, courses laterally with the middle meningeal artery and vein on the inner aspect of the calvarium
- branches and supply: innervates the dura anteriorly covering the middle cranial fossa
- relations: closely associated with middle meningeal vessels
Gross anatomy
Location
The nerve divides off the maxillary division just before the foramen rotundum and courses laterally with the middle meningeal artery and vein on the inner aspect of the calvarium.
Supply
It supplies sensation to the anterior half of the dura of the middle cranial fossa.
Relations
The posterior dura is supplied by the nervus spinosus from the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve.
