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The Trigeminal Sensory System and Orofacial Pain

  • Hyung Kyu Kim
  • , Ki Myung Chung
  • , Juping Xing
  • , Hee Young Kim
  • , Dong Ho Youn
  • Yonsei University
  • Kyungpook National University
  • Gangneung-Wonju National University

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

35 Scopus citations

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.

Original languageEnglish
Article number11306
JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences
Volume25
Issue number20
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2024

Keywords

  • brainstem parasympathetic system
  • burning mouth syndrome
  • headache
  • mesencephalic nucleus
  • orofacial neuropathic pain
  • paratrigeminal nucleus
  • principal nucleus
  • spinal trigeminal nucleus
  • synaptic transmission
  • trigeminal ganglion
  • trigeminal neuralgia
  • trigeminal sensory nuclei

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