Oral histology and anatomy: TMJ sensory supply: practice question

A Dentistry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dentistry · Oral histology and anatomy: TMJ sensory supply

Sample item

A patient with temporomandibular joint pain has referred pain in front of the ear. Which nerve is the principal sensory supply of the joint?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Auriculotemporal nerve

The TMJ is supplied mainly by the auriculotemporal nerve with additional twigs from the masseteric nerve. This explains the preauricular pain pattern of joint disorders.

Option by option

  • A. Facial nerve

    The facial nerve is motor to the face and not the sensory nerve of the joint.

  • B. Greater auricular nerve

    The greater auricular nerve supplies skin over the angle of the mandible and lower ear.

  • C. Glossopharyngeal nerve

    The glossopharyngeal nerve supplies the pharynx and back of the tongue.

  • D. Auriculotemporal nerve (correct)

    Correct. The auriculotemporal branch of the mandibular nerve supplies the joint capsule.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Dentistry question

What is the answer to this Dentistry question?

The best answer is D, Auriculotemporal nerve. The TMJ is supplied mainly by the auriculotemporal nerve with additional twigs from the masseteric nerve.

Why is "Facial nerve" not the answer?

The facial nerve is motor to the face and not the sensory nerve of the joint.

Why is "Greater auricular nerve" not the answer?

The greater auricular nerve supplies skin over the angle of the mandible and lower ear.

Why is "Glossopharyngeal nerve" not the answer?

The glossopharyngeal nerve supplies the pharynx and back of the tongue.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Oral histology and anatomy: TMJ sensory supply in Dentistry. This explains the preauricular pain pattern of joint disorders.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Oral histology and anatomy: TMJ sensory supply?

Learn the dental formula, eruption ages and tooth structure once, as tables. Then use the flashcards and the other Dentistry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.