Which nerve is primarily responsible for sensation in the lower jaw?

The inferior alveolar nerve is primarily responsible for sensation in the lower jaw because it is a branch of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V). It provides sensory innervation to the mandibular teeth, the lower lip, the chin, and part of the tongue. When an inferior alveolar nerve block is performed in dental procedures, it anesthetizes the entire area of the lower jaw served by this nerve, making it instrumental in procedures involving the lower teeth.

The maxillary nerve primarily serves the upper jaw, providing sensation to the maxillary teeth and surrounding areas, thus it does not play a role in the sensation of the lower jaw. The greater palatine nerve innervates the hard palate rather than the lower jaw, and the buccal nerve provides sensation to the buccal mucosa and is not responsible for sensation to the teeth or bone of the lower jaw. Thus, the focus on the inferior alveolar nerve highlights its critical role in lower jaw sensation, distinguishing it from other nerves that serve different anatomical areas.