Which cranial nerve supplies the muscles of mastication?

The cranial nerve that supplies the muscles of mastication is the trigeminal nerve. This is the fifth cranial nerve and is responsible for sensory perception in the face as well as motor functions such as chewing. The trigeminal nerve has three main branches: the maxillary, the mandibular, and the ophthalmic nerves. Among these, it is the mandibular branch that innervates the muscles involved in the process of mastication, which include the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid muscles.

Understanding the role of the trigeminal nerve is crucial for dental professionals, as it is involved in both sensory and motor functions relating to oral health and the mechanics of bite. Furthermore, the other cranial nerves listed do not have this function; the facial nerve primarily controls facial expressions, the glossopharyngeal nerve is involved in swallowing and taste from the posterior third of the tongue, while the hypoglossal nerve controls the movements of the tongue. Therefore, the trigeminal nerve is the only cranial nerve that plays a direct role in the muscles that facilitate chewing.