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 causes the trigeminal nerve to increase mucus production, leading to a runny nose. —Anthea Levi, Health, 30 Mar. 2024

Every night, the volunteers placed electrodes on their foreheads over the trigeminal nerve for eight hours in conjunction with their medication. —Ben Thomas, Discover Magazine, 3 Feb. 2016

The device works by stimulating the trigeminal nerve, the largest cranial nerve, which carries sensory information from the face to the brain, and which has also been associated with the pain of migraine headaches. —IEEE Spectrum, 12 Mar. 2014

In people with scent sensitivities, the trigeminal nerve can get a little wonky when it’s exposed to certain scents, Dr. Patel says. —Julia Ries, SELF, 9 Nov. 2022

Every night, the volunteers, like Ramirez, placed electrodes on their foreheads over the trigeminal nerve for eight hours. —Ben Thomas, Discover Magazine, 3 Feb. 2016

Trigeminal neuralgia occurs when an artery or vein puts pressure on the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from the face to the brain. —Katrina Firlik, Discover Magazine, 7 Apr. 2014

The membranes that line the brain are filled with nerves, such as the large and complex trigeminal nerve. —Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 18 Mar. 2021

Because few people experience brain freeze when enjoying a cold treat, some scientists believe the trigeminal nerve may be more sensitive in these individuals. —Kareem Clark, Discover Magazine, 6 Nov. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined above

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