SOMATOSENSORY INNERVATION OF THE FACE: PHYSIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF NERVE FIBERS
Keywords:
somatosensory innervation, trigeminal nerve, facial sensation, nerve fibers, physiology, pain perceptionAbstract
The somatosensory system of the face is responsible for transmitting tactile, pain, temperature, and proprioceptive information to the central nervous system, enabling perception and protective reflexes. This article explores the anatomy and physiology of the nerve fibers innervating facial skin and deeper tissues, focusing on the trigeminal nerve branches. The physiological roles of different types of nerve fibers—including Aβ, Aδ, and C fibers—in facial sensation and reflexive responses are examined. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for clinical diagnosis and treatment of facial sensory disorders.
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