The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is primarily supplied by which nerve?

The TMJ is primarily innervated by the auriculotemporal nerve, which is a branch of the mandibular nerve (V3, posterior division of the trigeminal nerve). The auriculotemporal nerve provides sensory innervation to the posterior aspect of the TMJ capsule and articular disc. Additional innervation comes from the masseteric nerve (anteriorly) and the posterior deep temporal nerve (anteromedially), also branches of V3. This anatomy is clinically relevant because TMJ pain often follows the distribution of V3 branches, and the auriculotemporal nerve also carries parasympathetic secretomotor fibers (from the otic ganglion) to the parotid gland.