Corpus: Posterior superior alveolar nerve

The superior posterior alveolar nerve is a branch of the infraorbital nerve. It provides sensory innervation to parts of the maxillary sinus mucosa, gingiva, and molars by contributing to the superior dental plexus.

The superior posterior alveolar nerve typically emerges as a single branch or sometimes as two branches from the infraorbital nerve before it enters the infraorbital sulcus. It descends along the maxillary tuberosity, giving off small branches that supply the adjacent gingiva and buccal mucosa.

The nerve fibers then travel along the infratemporal surface of the maxilla, entering the maxillary alveolar canals, where they communicate with the superior middle alveolar nerve, if present. Together, these nerves contribute to the formation of the superior dental plexus.

The superior posterior alveolar nerve primarily innervates the maxillary molars. In some cases, the mesiobuccal root of the first molar may also receive innervation from the superior middle alveolar nerve.