What structure does the lingual nerve primarily provide sensory innervation to?

The lingual nerve is a branch of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve (V3) and is primarily responsible for providing sensory innervation to the anterior two-thirds of the tongue. This area includes the mucosal surface of the tongue, where it conveys sensations such as touch, temperature, and pain.

In addition to this sensory function, the lingual nerve also carries special sensory fibers (taste) from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue via the chorda tympani, which is a branch of the facial nerve (CN VII). Thus, its primary role in sensory innervation is particularly significant in the context of taste and general sensation for this region of the oral cavity.

While the mandibular teeth, floor of the mouth, and buccal mucosa are innervated by other branches of the trigeminal nerve, they do not receive sensory innervation chiefly from the lingual nerve. The inferior alveolar nerve, another branch of V3, is mainly responsible for sensory innervation to the mandibular teeth, while other branches accommodate the sensory needs of the buccal mucosa and floor of the mouth.