NDHCE Head and Neck Anatomy 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which nerve provides the primary sensory innervation to the maxillary teeth and surrounding structures?
- Mandibular nerve (V3)
- Maxillary nerve (V2) (Correct answer)
- Facial nerve (VII)
- Hypoglossal nerve (XII)
Correct answer: Maxillary nerve (V2)
The maxillary nerve (V2), the second division of the trigeminal nerve, provides sensory innervation to the maxillary teeth, palate, gingiva, and associated structures.
Question 2: The parotid salivary gland's duct (Stensen's duct) opens into the oral cavity at which location?
- Sublingual caruncle beneath the tongue
- Floor of the mouth near the lingual frenum
- Buccal mucosa opposite the maxillary second molar (Correct answer)
- Posterior soft palate near the uvula
Correct answer: Buccal mucosa opposite the maxillary second molar
Stensen's (parotid) duct opens on the buccal mucosa at a papilla opposite the maxillary second molar, delivering parotid saliva into the oral cavity.
Question 3: Which muscle is responsible for elevating the mandible (closing the mouth) and is the most powerful muscle of mastication?
- Lateral pterygoid
- Medial pterygoid
- Masseter (Correct answer)
- Temporalis
Correct answer: Masseter
The masseter is considered the most powerful muscle of mastication and is the primary muscle responsible for elevating the mandible to close the mouth.
Question 4: The mental foramen is typically located on the mandible in which position?
- Inferior to the mandibular incisors at the midline
- Between the apex of the mandibular first and second premolars (Correct answer)
- Posterior to the mandibular third molar
- At the angle of the mandible
Correct answer: Between the apex of the mandibular first and second premolars
The mental foramen typically opens on the lateral aspect of the mandible between the apices of the first and second premolars, transmitting the mental nerve and vessels.
Question 5: Which salivary gland produces the highest proportion of total resting (unstimulated) saliva?
- Parotid gland
- Submandibular gland (Correct answer)
- Sublingual gland
- Minor salivary glands
Correct answer: Submandibular gland
The submandibular gland produces approximately 60–65% of resting saliva, making it the primary contributor to unstimulated salivary flow.
Question 6: What is the function of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) in dental procedures?
- Controls motor function of the lower lip
- Provides sensory innervation to the mandibular teeth, lower lip, and chin (Correct answer)
- Innervates the tongue for taste
- Controls the muscles of facial expression
Correct answer: Provides sensory innervation to the mandibular teeth, lower lip, and chin
The inferior alveolar nerve (IAN), a branch of V3, provides sensory innervation to all mandibular teeth, the lower lip, and chin; blocking this nerve is the target of an inferior alveolar nerve block injection.
NDHCE Head and Neck Anatomy 1
Which nerve provides the primary sensory innervation to the maxillary teeth and surrounding structures?