Which branch of the trigeminal nerve is responsible for sensory perception?

The correct answer is that all branches of the trigeminal nerve are responsible for sensory perception. The trigeminal nerve, also known as cranial nerve V, has three main branches: the ophthalmic (V1), maxillary (V2), and mandibular (V3) branches, all of which carry sensory information from different regions of the face.

The ophthalmic branch (V1) is responsible for sensation in the upper part of the face, including the forehead and eyes. The maxillary branch (V2) serves the middle portion of the face, including the cheeks, upper jaw, and nasal cavity. The mandibular branch (V3) has both sensory and motor functions, but its sensory component provides sensation to the lower part of the face, including the chin and lower jaw.

Thus, while the mandibular branch does have motor function, it also plays a crucial role in sensory perception alongside the other branches. This collective function allows the trigeminal nerve to comprehensively mediate somatosensory information from the face, leading to the conclusion that all branches are involved in sensory perception.