Anatomy & Histology · single question
Where does the inferior alveolar nerve exit the mandible?
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Correct answer: A. Mandibular foramen
The inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) enters the mandible through the mandibular foramen on the medial surface of the ramus. It then travels through the mandibular canal, gives off the mental branch (which exits at the mental foramen), and continues as the incisive nerve. For the IAN block technique, the pterygomandibular raphe serves as the anatomic landmark.
- A. ✅ CORRECT – The IAN enters the mandible at the mandibular foramen on the medial ramus surface.
- B. ❌ The pterygomandibular space is adjacent to the injection site but is not a foramen.
- C. ❌ The incisive canal transmits the incisive nerve (continuation of IAN past mental foramen), not the main IAN.
- D. ❌ The mental foramen is where the mental nerve (terminal branch of IAN) exits — not where the IAN itself enters.
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