The mental nerve is responsible for innervating which area?

The mental nerve is a branch of the inferior alveolar nerve, which itself is a branch of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve (V3). The primary function of the mental nerve is to provide sensory innervation to the facial tissues of the mandible. This includes the skin of the chin and the lower lip, as well as the mucosa of the lower lip and the corresponding part of the gums.

The other options represent areas innervated by different nerve branches. For instance, the maxillary molars are innervated by the posterior superior alveolar nerve, while the lingual tissues of the mandibular arch are supplied by the lingual nerve. The pulp of the anterior teeth is innervated by the incisive nerve, which is another branch of the inferior alveolar nerve. Thus, the correct answer highlights the specific sensory role of the mental nerve in providing innervation to the facial tissues of the mandible.