Masseter Innervation — MFDS Part 1 MCQ
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Correct answer: C — Mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve (CN V3)
The correct answer is C. The masseter is a muscle of mastication and receives motor fibres from the masseteric nerve, a branch of the anterior division of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve (CN V3). V3 is the only trigeminal division carrying branchial motor fibres. The maxillary division (V2) is sensory and does not supply muscles of mastication. The facial nerve supplies the muscles of facial expression, not the masseter. The accessory nerve principally supplies sternocleidomastoid and trapezius, while the hypoglossal nerve supplies intrinsic and most extrinsic muscles of the tongue. The original key was correct, but the teaching statement was repaired because the medial pterygoid nerve arises from the main trunk of V3 rather than the anterior division.
Reference: Quek SYP, Grunwerg BS. Masseteric nerve block for masseter muscle pain—a clinical note. Quintessence International. 2009;40(1):87–91. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19172764/