Which of these nerves is NOT a branch of the maxillary nerve?

The buccal nerve is not a branch of the maxillary nerve; rather, it is a branch of the mandibular nerve, which is the third division of the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V). The maxillary nerve is the second division of the trigeminal nerve and gives rise to several important branches that supply sensory innervation to various structures of the face.

The infraorbital nerve is a branch of the maxillary nerve and travels through the infraorbital foramen to provide sensation to the lower eyelid, the cheek, and the upper lip. Similarly, the pterygopalatine nerve and the zygomatic nerve are also branches of the maxillary nerve. The pterygopalatine nerve, for instance, provides sensory innervation to the nasal cavity and palatine glands, while the zygomatic nerve connects to areas supplying the skin over the cheek.

Thus, distinguishing these branches is crucial in understanding the anatomy and pathways of maxillary nerve innervation, making it clear that the buccal nerve is outside this context.