ASA Nerve Origin — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

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ModerateAnatomy (Head & Neck)ASA Nerve OriginMFDS Part 1

During dissection of the anterior wall of the maxillary sinus, the anterior superior alveolar nerve is traced proximally into the infraorbital canal. From which nerve does it arise?

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Correct answer: D — Infraorbital nerve

The correct answer is D, the infraorbital nerve. The anterior superior alveolar nerve branches from the infraorbital nerve within the infraorbital canal and then courses through the anterior maxilla, associated with the canalis sinuosus, toward the anterior maxillary dentition. The posterior superior alveolar nerve is a separate branch of the maxillary division and principally supplies the posterior maxillary teeth. The greater palatine nerve supplies palatal structures rather than giving rise to the anterior superior alveolar nerve. The inferior alveolar and mental nerves belong to the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve; the mental nerve is a terminal branch of the inferior alveolar nerve.

Reference: von Arx T, Lozanoff S. Anterior superior alveolar nerve (ASAN). Swiss Dental Journal. 2015;125(11):1202–1209. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26631255/