Greater Palatine Nerve — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

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ModerateAnatomy (Head & Neck)Greater Palatine NerveMFDS Part 1

During elevation of a palatal mucoperiosteal flap adjacent to the maxillary first and second molars, which nerve provides the principal general sensory innervation to the palatal gingiva?

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Correct answer: B — Greater palatine nerve

The greater palatine nerve is the principal sensory supply to the posterior hard palate and the palatal gingiva adjacent to the maxillary molars. It emerges through the greater palatine foramen, usually near the maxillary third-molar region, and travels anteriorly across the hard palate. The nasopalatine nerve mainly supplies the anterior palate and palatal gingiva associated with the anterior maxillary teeth. The lesser palatine nerve supplies the soft palate. The posterior superior alveolar nerve primarily supplies the maxillary molar pulps and associated buccal periodontal tissues rather than the palatal gingiva. The long buccal nerve is a mandibular division branch supplying buccal mucosa and buccal gingiva in the mandibular molar region.

Reference: Iwanaga J et al. The greater palatine nerve and artery both supply the maxillary teeth: An anatomic and radiologic study. Journal of the American Dental Association. 2025;156(2):151-159.e1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39808103/