What role does the mandibular nerve (CN V3) play in oral sensation?

The mandibular nerve, also known as CN V3, is a branch of the trigeminal nerve (CN V) and is primarily responsible for carrying sensory information from specific areas of the face. This includes providing sensation to the mandibular teeth and the anterior two-thirds of the tongue. The anterior two-thirds of the tongue receives sensory innervation primarily through the lingual nerve, a branch of the mandibular division. This division is critical for feeling touch, pain, and temperature sensations in these areas.

The mandibular nerve does not solely provide taste sensations, which are primarily handled by the facial nerve (CN VII) for the anterior two-thirds of the tongue, thereby excluding taste sensation from being its main role. Additionally, the posterior one-third of the tongue is innervated by the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX), rather than the mandibular nerve. While the trigeminal nerve has a broad role in providing sensation to the face, the statement that CN V3 provides all facial sensations is too encompassing, as other branches, such as CN V1 (ophthalmic) and CN V2 (maxillary), also play vital roles in facial sensation.

Thus, understanding the specific pathways and roles of these nerves clarifies