Buccal Nerve - Podcast Version 0:00 / 0:00 1x 0.25x 0.5x 0.75x 1x 1.25x 1.5x 1.75x 2x The buccal nerve is a nerve of the face. It is a branch of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve. It supplies sensation to the skin of the cheek, buccal mucosa and 2nd & 3rd molar teeth. Pro Feature - 3D Model You've Discovered a Pro Feature Access our 3D Model Library Explore, cut, dissect, annotate and manipulate our 3D models to visualise anatomy in a dynamic, interactive way. Learn More Course The buccal nerve originates from the anterior trunk of the mandibular nerve. It first travels between the two heads of the lateral pterygoid muscle, underneath the tendon of the temporalis. The buccal nerve then passes anterior to the ramus of the mandible and deep to the masseter muscle. It emerges from the anterior border of the masseter and pierces the buccinator muscle. It terminates as several sensory branches to the buccal mucosa and 2nd and 3rd molar teeth. By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2026) Fig 1The buccal nerve emerges from between the two heads of the lateral pterygoid muscle. Sensory Supply The buccal nerve provides sensory innervation to: Skin of the cheek Buccal mucosa Second and third molar teeth Frequent questions What is the buccal nerve? The buccal nerve is a sensory branch of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve, responsible for providing sensation to the skin of the cheek, buccal mucosa, and the second and third molar teeth. What structures does the buccal nerve innervate? The buccal nerve supplies sensory innervation to the skin of the cheek, the buccal mucosa, and the second and third molar teeth, playing a critical role in oral sensation. Where does the buccal nerve originate? The buccal nerve originates from the anterior trunk of the mandibular nerve, emerging between the two heads of the lateral pterygoid muscle before coursing towards the masseter muscle. How does the buccal nerve course through the face? The buccal nerve travels between the heads of the lateral pterygoid muscle, passes anterior to the ramus of the mandible, and then deep to the masseter muscle before piercing the buccinator muscle. What is the clinical significance of the buccal nerve? Understanding the buccal nerve's anatomy is important for dental procedures and surgeries in the region, as it provides sensory innervation that can be affected during interventions involving the cheek and molar teeth. Rate This Article