Which nerve is NOT a branch of the mandibular nerve?

• A. Inferior Alveolar Nerve
• B. Lingual Nerve
• C. Buccal Nerve
• D. Infraorbital Nerve

Answer: (D)

Understanding trigeminal divisions helps: the mandibular division (V3) is the branch that provides sensory input to the lower face and motor to the muscles of mastication, with sensory branches such as the inferior alveolar nerve, the lingual nerve, and the buccal (long buccal) nerve. The inferior alveolar nerve runs through the mandible to supply the lower teeth and gives off the mental nerve. The lingual nerve carries general sensation from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue and floor of the mouth. The buccal nerve supplies sensation to the cheek mucosa and the buccal gingiva of the mandible. The infraorbital nerve, on the other hand, comes from the maxillary division (V2) and travels in the infraorbital canal to innervate the midface region, so it is not a branch of the mandibular nerve.