Which branch of the maxillary division provides sensory innervation to the palatal soft tissues and bone to the first premolar?

• A. Greater palatine nerve
• B. Nasopalatine nerve
• C. Middle palatine nerve
• D. Posterior palatine nerve

Answer: (A)

The greater palatine nerve is the branch of the maxillary division that supplies the posterior hard palate. It courses through the greater palatine canal to the greater palatine foramen and then provides sensory innervation to the palatal mucosa and the overlying bone behind the canine region, extending to the first premolar. In contrast, the nasopalatine nerve runs anteriorly through the incisive canal to the anterior hard palate (canine-to-canine area) and does not reach the first premolar region. The other palatine nerves mainly serve the soft palate or are not the primary suppliers of the hard palate in this area. Therefore, the greater palatine nerve best fits the description.