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Published on: July 26, 2022
The Trigeminal Sensory System and Orofacial Pain
Hyung Kyu Kim1,2, Ki-Myung Chung3, Juping Xing1
1Department of Physiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
The trigeminal sensory system consists of the trigeminal nerve, the trigeminal ganglion, and the trigeminal sensory nuclei (the mesencephalic nucleus, the principal nucleus, the spinal trigeminal nucleus, and several smaller nuclei). Various sensory signals carried by the trigeminal nerve from the orofacial area travel into the trigeminal sensory system, where they are processed into integrated sensory information that is relayed to higher sensory brain areas. Thus, knowledge of the trigeminal sensory system is essential for comprehending orofacial pain. This review elucidates the individual nuclei that comprise the trigeminal sensory system and their synaptic transmission. Additionally, it discusses four types of orofacial pain and their relationship to the system. Consequently, this review aims to enhance the understanding of the mechanisms underlying orofacial pain.
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