Which nerves branch into the infraorbital canal?

• A. Middle Superior Alveolar Nerve (MSA) and Anterior Superior Alveolar Nerve (ASA)
• B. PSA and IO
• C. MSA and PSA
• D. ASA and IO

Answer: (A)

The infraorbital canal carries fibers from the infraorbital nerve, a continuation of the maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve. As the nerve travels through the canal, it gives off two branches that lie inside the canal: the anterior superior alveolar nerve and the middle superior alveolar nerve. These nerves innervate the anterior and middle maxillary teeth respectively and then exit through the infraorbital foramen to reach their targets. The posterior superior alveolar nerve does not pass through this canal; it travels to the posterior teeth via its own routes. So the nerves that branch into the infraorbital canal are the anterior superior alveolar and middle superior alveolar nerves.