Meningeal branch of the mandibular nerve

The meningeal branch of the mandibular nerve (also known as the nervus spinosus)^[1] is a sensory branch of the mandibular nerve (CN V3) that enters the middle cranial fossa through either the foramen spinosum or foramen ovale to innervate the meninges of this fossa as well as the mastoid air cells.^[2]

Meningeal branch of the mandibular nerve
Sphenoid bone. Upper surface. (Foramen spinosum labeled left, second from bottom.)
Details
From	Mandibular nerve
Innervates	Dura mater
Identifiers
Latin	ramus meningeus nervi mandibularis
TA98	A14.2.01.065
TA2	6247
FMA	53047
Anatomical terms of neuroanatomy [edit on Wikidata]

Anatomy

Branches

It divides into two branches - anterior and posterior - which accompany the main divisions of the middle meningeal artery and supply the dura mater:^[1]

• The anterior branch communicates with the meningeal branch of the maxillary nerve.^[1]

• The posterior branch also supplies the mucous lining of the mastoid cells.^[1]