GROSS ANATOMY

Detailed explanation-1: -The inferior alveolar nerve enters the mandible through the mandibular foramen and travels throughout the mandibular canal anteriorly until reaching the mental foramen . It receives the name of the mental nerve once it exits this foramen [3][4].

Detailed explanation-2: -The mental nerve is a branch of the posterior trunk of the inferior alveolar nerve. This is a branch of the mandibular nerve (CN V3), itself a branch of the trigeminal nerve (CN V). It emerges from the mental foramen in the mandible. It divides into three branches beneath the depressor anguli oris muscle.

Detailed explanation-3: -The mental nerve is a terminal branch of the inferior alveolar nerve that exits the mental foramen and innervates the skin over the lower lip and the chin region.

Detailed explanation-4: -The branches of the inferior alveolar nerve are the mylohyoid, dental, incisive, and mental : The mylohyoid nerve (n. mylohyoideus) is derived from the inferior alveolar just before it enters the mandibular foramen.

Detailed explanation-5: -The inferior alveolar nerve is a branch of the mandibular nerve. After branching from the mandibular nerve, the inferior alveolar nerve travels behind the lateral pterygoid muscle. It gives off a branch, the mylohyoid nerve, and then enters the mandibular foramen.