What are the three branches of the mandibular nerve?

The mandibular nerve, which is the third division of the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V), has three main branches: the anterior trunk, the posterior trunk, and the auriculotemporal nerve. The anterior trunk primarily supplies motor innervation to the muscles of mastication and sensory innervation to the buccal region. The posterior trunk provides sensory innervation to the lower jaw, teeth, and tongue through branches such as the inferior alveolar nerve and the lingual nerve. These branches play vital roles in both sensory and motor functions in the lower face and jaw.