Trigeminal ganglion

The trigeminal ganglion (also known as: Gasserian ganglion, semilunar ganglion, or Gasser's ganglion) is the sensory ganglion of each trigeminal nerve (CN V). The trigeminal ganglion is located within the trigeminal cave (Meckel's cave), a cavity formed by dura mater.

Trigeminal ganglion
Nerves of the orbit. Seen from above. (Semilunar ganglion visible near bottom.)
Distribution of the maxillary and mandibular nerves, and the submaxillary ganglion. (Semilunar ganglion visible in upper left.)
Details
Identifiers
Latinganglion trigeminale, ganglion semilunare (Gasseri)
MeSHD012668
TA98A14.2.01.014
TA26194
FMA52618
Anatomical terms of neuroanatomy

Anatomy

The trigeminal ganglion contains cell bodies of the pseudo-unipolar sensory neurons of the trigeminal nerve which extend their axons both distally/peripherally into the three divisions of the trigeminal nerve on the one end, and proximally/centrally to the brainstem on the other end; the trigeminal root extends from the trigeminal ganglion to the ventrolateral aspect of the pons.[1]

The trigeminal ganglion is situated within the trigeminal cave (or Meckel's cave), a cerebrospinal fluid-filled cavity formed by a double layer[1] of dura mater overlying[1][2] the trigeminal impression near the apex of the petrous part of the temporal bone.[2]

Structure

The trigeminal ganglion is somewhat crescent-shaped, with its convexity directed anterolaterally. From its convex border arise the ophthalmic nerve (V1), maxillary nerve (V2), and mandibular nerve (V3).[2]

The ganglion receives, on its medial side, filaments from the carotid plexus of the sympathetic. It issues minute branches to the tentorium cerebelli, and the dura mater in the middle cranial fossa.

Relations

Medially to the trigeminal ganglion are the internal carotid artery, and the posterior part of the cavernous sinus.[2]

The motor root of the trigeminal nerve passes beneath the trigeminal ganglion to exit the skull through the foramen ovale.[2] The greater petrosal nerve passes underneath the trigeminal ganglion to reach the foramen lacerum.[3]: 498, 509 

Clinical significance

Herpes virus dormancy

After recovery from a primary herpes infection, the virus is not cleared from the body, but rather lies dormant in a non-replicating state within the trigeminal ganglion.[4]

Lesions

If the trigeminal ganglion is damaged, by infection or surgery, it gives rise to the trigeminal trophic syndrome, which involves paresthesias and anesthesia, and may lead to erosions of the nasal ala.

Ablation in trigeminal neuralgia

The thermocoagulation or injection of glycerol into the trigeminal ganglion has been used in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia.

Other animals

Rodents

In rodents, the trigeminal ganglion is important as it is the first part of the pathway from the whiskers to the brain. Cell bodies of the whisker primary afferents are found here. These afferents are mechanoreceptor cells that fire in response to whisker deflection.

There are around 26,000–43,000 cell bodies in rodent trigeminal ganglion. It is possible that there are two distinct (or perhaps continuous) populations of cells having slowly and rapidly adapting responses to stimuli.

It is found at the base of the skull and projects to trigeminal brain stem areas including principalis, spinal trigeminal nucleus, interpolaris, and caudalis.

Additional images
  • Base of the skull. Upper surface.
    Base of the skull. Upper surface.
  • Nerves of the orbit, and the ciliary ganglion. Side view.
    Nerves of the orbit, and the ciliary ganglion. Side view.
  • The otic ganglion and its branches.
    The otic ganglion and its branches.
  • Trigeminal ganglion
    Trigeminal ganglion
  • Trigeminal ganglion. Deep dissection. Superior view.
    Trigeminal ganglion. Deep dissection. Superior view.

References
  1. Huff, Trevor; Weisbrod, Luke J.; Daly, Daniel T. (2022), "Neuroanatomy, Cranial Nerve 5 (Trigeminal)", StatPearls, Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing, PMID 29489263, retrieved 2023-01-03
  2. Gray, Henry (1918). Gray's Anatomy (20th ed.). p. 886.
  3. Sinnatamby, Chummy S. (2011). Last's Anatomy (12th ed.). ISBN 978-0-7295-3752-0.
  4. Verjans GM, Hintzen RQ, van Dun JM, et al. (2007). "Selective retention of herpes simplex virus-specific T cells in latently infected human trigeminal ganglia". Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 104 (9): 3496–501. Bibcode:2007PNAS..104.3496V. doi:10.1073/pnas.0610847104. PMC 1805572. PMID 17360672.
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