Zygomatic nerve
Nerve of the face From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The zygomatic nerve is a branch of the maxillary nerve (itself a branch of the trigeminal nerve (CN V)). It arises in the pterygopalatine fossa and enters the orbit through the inferior orbital fissure before dividing into its two terminal branches: the zygomaticotemporal nerve and zygomaticofacial nerve.
| Zygomatic nerve | |
|---|---|
Lateral view of the nerves of the orbit. The zygomatic nerve is visible at bottom centre branching from the maxillary nerve. | |
| Details | |
| From | Maxillary nerve |
| To | Zygomaticotemporal nerve communicating branch to lacrimal nerve |
| Innervates | Skin over temporal bone and zygomatic bone |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | nervus zygomaticus |
| TA98 | A14.2.01.056 |
| TA2 | 6231 |
| FMA | 52967 |
| Anatomical terms of neuroanatomy | |
Through its branches, the zygomatic nerve provides sensory invervation to skin over the zygomatic bone and the temporal bone. It also carries post-ganglionic parasympathetic axons to the lacrimal gland.
It may be blocked by anaesthetising the maxillary nerve.
Structure
Origin
The zygomatic nerve is a branch of the maxillary nerve (CN V2).[1][2] It arises at the pterygopalatine ganglion.[1]
Course
It exits from the pterygopalatine fossa through the inferior orbital fissure to enter the orbit.[1][3] In the orbit, it travels anteriorly along its lateral wall.[3]
Branches
Soon after the zygomatic nerve enters the orbit, it divides into its branches. These include:
- Zygomaticotemporal nerve[1]
- Zygomaticofacial nerve[1]
- A communicating branch to lacrimal nerve[1]
Variation
Sometimes, the zygomatic nerve does not branch within the orbit. Instead, it enters a single foramen in the zygomatic bone called the zygomatico-orbital foramen. In this case, it divides within the bone into the zygomaticotemporal nerve and the zygomaticofacial nerve.[4]
Function
The terminal branches of the zygomatic nerve contain sensory axons.[1] These provide sensation to the skin over the temporal bone and the zygomatic bone.[4]
The zygomatic nerve also carries postganglionic parasympathetic axons.[1] These axons have their cell bodies in the pterygopalatine ganglion. They travel from the ganglion to the zygomatic nerve, and then to the lacrimal nerve through a communicating branch. From the lacrimal nerve, they enter the lacrimal gland and provide secretomotor supply.[5]
Clinical significance
The zygomatic nerve can be blocked indirectly by anaesthetising the maxillary nerve (CN V2).[2] The zygomatic nerve and its branches may be damaged by a fracture to the zygomatic bone.[6]
Additional images
- The nerves of the scalp, face, and side of neck.
- Branches of the trigeminal nerve. The zygomatic nerve is visible branching from the maxillary nerve and entering the orbit.
References
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