Anatomical studies on trigeminal nerve of Korean native goat

한국재래산양 삼차신경에 관한 해부학적 연구

The present study was undertaken to investigate the morphological characteristics of trigeminal nerve in the Korean native goat by macroscopic methods. Trigeminal nerve was originated from the lateral side of pons, and extended shortly forward to form trigeminal ganglion at the opening of oval foramen. Thereafter this nerve was divided into maxillary, mandibular and ophthalmic nerve. Ophthalmic nerve gave off the zygomaticotemporal branch, frontal nerve, frontal sinus branch, and was continued as the nasociliary nerve. Maxillary nerve gave rise to the zygomaticofacial branch, accessory zygomaticofacial branch, communicating branch with oculomotor nerve, pterygopalatine nerve, caudal superior alveolar branch, malar branch and was continued as the infraorbital nerve. Mandibular nerve was divided into the masseteric nerve, buccal nerve, lateral pterygoid nerve, medial pterygoid nerve, nerve to tensor tympani m., auriculotemporal nerve, and furnished the inferior alveolar nerve and lingual nerve as terminal branches. The course and distribution of the trigeminal nerve in the Korean native goat appeared to be similar to that in other small ruminants such as sheep and goat. But the main differences from other small ruminants were as follows : 1. There was no accessory branch of the major palatine nerve. 2. The caudal superior alveolar branch was directly branched from the maxillary nerve. 3. The communicating branch with oculomotor nerve was originated from maxillary nerve or common trunk with zygomaticofacial branch. 4. The malar branch arose from the maxillary nerve at the rostral to the origin of the caudal superior alveolar branch. 5. The inferior alveolar nerve originated in a common trunk with the lingual nerve. 6. The mylohyoid nerve arose at the origin of the inferior alveolar nerve. 7. The zygomaticotemporal branch was single fascicle, and gave off lacrimal nerve and cornual branch. 8. The base of horn was provided by the cornual branches of zygomaticotemporal branch and infratrochlear nerve of nasociliary nerve.