Which of the following muscles is not supplied by mandibular nerve?
**Core Concept:** The mandibular nerve (3rd branchial plexus) is responsible for supplying motor and sensory innervation to various structures in the head and neck. In the oral cavity, it supplies muscles, taste buds, and mucous membranes.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** The correct answer (D) refers to the external oblique muscle, which is a part of the external abdominal oblique muscle group. This muscle is not part of the head and neck region and is innervated by the lumbar plexus, specifically the L1 and L2 spinal nerves. The mandibular nerve (CN V3) supplies the muscles of mastication, taste buds, and mucous membranes.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. The masseter muscle is a key part of the masticatory muscles and receives innervation from the mandibular nerve (CN V3).
B. The temporalis muscle is another masticatory muscle and is innervated by the mandibular nerve (CN V3).
C. The digastric muscle is a part of the masticatory muscles and receives innervation from the mandibular nerve (CN V3).
D. As explained above, the external oblique muscle is not supplied by the mandibular nerve (CN V3) but rather the lumbar plexus (L1-L2).
**Clinical Pearl:** Understanding the anatomy of peripheral nerves and their innervation patterns is essential for understanding regional anesthesia techniques and managing complications.
**Correct Answer:** D. External oblique muscle
**Explanation:** The external oblique muscle is not supplied by the mandibular nerve (CN V3) but rather by the lumbar plexus (L1-L2). This distinction is crucial for understanding regional anesthesia techniques, as misidentifying the innervation source can lead to incorrect drug administration and potential complications.