Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Nasopalatine nerve
Introduction
Overview
Overview
One branch of the posterior superior nasal branches, longer and larger than the others, is named the nasopalatine nerve (sometimes called the long sphenopalatine nerve).
It enters the nasal cavity through the sphenopalatine foramen, passes across the roof of the nasal cavity below the orifice of the sphenoidal sinus to reach the septum, and then runs obliquely downward and forward between the periosteum and mucous membrane of the lower part of the septum.
It descends to the roof of the mouth through the incisive canal and communicates with the corresponding nerve of the opposite side and with the greater palatine nerve.
It supplies the palatal structures around the upper central and lateral incisors (the upper front four teeth).
It also furnishes a few filaments to the mucous membrane of the nasal septum.
Additional images
Additional images
-
Base of skull. Inferior surface.
