Australian Dental Council (ADC) Practice Test

The Auriculotemporal nerve is indeed the primary nerve that supplies sensation to the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ). This nerve is a branch of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve (V3) and provides both sensory innervation and autonomic fibers to the TMJ and surrounding structures. Its role in providing sensory information such as pain and proprioception makes it essential for the proper functioning of the TMJ.

While the trigeminal nerve, which includes the Auriculotemporal nerve as one of its branches, contributes to innervating the area, the specific and direct supply to the TMJ itself is primarily attributed to the Auriculotemporal nerve. Other nerves mentioned, such as the facial nerve, primarily serve different functions and areas, like the muscles of facial expression, making them less relevant for the sensory supply to the TMJ. The nerve to the masseter typically innervates the masseter muscle, and does not provide sensory innervation to the joint. Thus, the Auriculotemporal nerve is critical for the sensory innervation of the TMJ and is the correct answer.