Zygomatic 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 tolacrimal nerve |
Innervates | Skin overtemporal boneandzygomatic bone |
Identifiers | |
Latin | nervus zygomaticus |
TA98 | A14.2.01.056 |
TA2 | 6231 |
FMA | 52967 |
Anatomical terms of neuroanatomy |
Thezygomatic nerveis a branch of themaxillary nerve(itself a branch of thetrigeminal nerve(CN V)). It arises in thepterygopalatine fossaand enters theorbitthrough theinferior orbital fissurebefore dividing into its two terminal branches: thezygomaticotemporal nerveandzygomaticofacial nerve.
Through its branches, the zygomatic nerve provides sensory invervation toskinover thezygomatic boneand thetemporal bone.It also carriespost-ganglionic parasympathetic axonsto thelacrimal gland.
It may be blocked byanaesthetisingthemaxillary nerve.
Structure
[edit]Origin
[edit]The zygomatic nerve is a branch of themaxillary nerve(CN V2).[1][2]It arises at thepterygopalatine ganglion.[1]
Course
[edit]It exits from the pterygopalatine fossa through theinferior orbital fissureto enter theorbit.[1][3]In the orbit, it travels anteriorly along its lateral wall.[3]
Branches
[edit]Soon after the zygomatic nerve enters the orbit, it divides into its branches. These include:
- Zygomaticotemporal nerve[1]
- Zygomaticofacial nerve[1]
- A communicating branch tolacrimal nerve[1]
Variation
[edit]Sometimes, the zygomatic nerve does not branch within the orbit. Instead, it enters a single foramen in the zygomatic bone called thezygomatico-orbital foramen.In this case, it divides within the bone into thezygomaticotemporal nerveand thezygomaticofacial nerve.[4]
Function
[edit]The terminal branches of the zygomatic nerve contain sensory axons.[1]These provide sensation to theskinover thetemporal boneand thezygomatic bone.[4]
The zygomatic nerve also carriespostganglionic parasympathetic axons.[1]These axons have theircell bodiesin thepterygopalatine ganglion.They travel from the ganglion to the zygomatic nerve, and then to thelacrimal nervethrough a communicating branch. From the lacrimal nerve, they enter thelacrimal glandand provide secretomotor supply.[5]
Clinical significance
[edit]The zygomatic nerve can be blocked indirectly byanaesthetisingthemaxillary nerve(CN V2).[2]The zygomatic nerve and its branches may be damaged by afractureto thezygomatic bone.[6]
Additional images
[edit]-
The nerves of the scalp, face, and side of neck.
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Branches of the trigeminal nerve. The zygomatic nerve is visible branching from the maxillary nerve and entering the orbit.
References
[edit]- ^abcdefghRea, Paul (2016)."2 - Head".Essential Clinically Applied Anatomy of the Peripheral Nervous System in the Head and Neck.Academic Press.pp. 21–130.doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-803633-4.00002-8.ISBN978-0-12-803633-4.
- ^abPai, Umeshraya T.; Nayak, Rajeshri; Molloy, Robert E. (2005)."72 - Head and Neck Blocks".Essentials of Pain Medicine and Regional Anesthesia(2nd ed.).Churchill Livingstone.pp. 598–606.doi:10.1016/B978-0-443-06651-1.50076-9.ISBN978-0-443-06651-1.
- ^abForrester, John V.; Dick, Andrew D.; McMenamin, Paul G.; Roberts, Fiona; Pearlman, Eric (2016)."1 - Anatomy of the eye and orbit".The Eye - Basic Sciences in Practice(4th ed.).Saunders.pp. 1–102.doi:10.1016/B978-0-7020-5554-6.00001-0.ISBN978-0-7020-5554-6.
- ^abStandring, Susan, ed. (2016).Gray's anatomy: the anatomical basis of clinical practice(41 ed.). Philadelphia: Elsevier.ISBN978-0-7020-5230-9.OCLC920806541.
- ^Anderson, B. C.; McLoon, L. K. (2010)."Cranial Nerves and Autonomic Innervation in the Orbit".Encyclopedia of the Eye.Academic Press.pp. 537–548.doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-374203-2.00285-2.ISBN978-0-12-374203-2.
- ^Gellrich, Nils-Claudius Bernhard; Zimmerer, Rüdiger M. (2017)."7 - Surgical Management of Maxillary and Zygomatic Fractures".Maxillofacial Surgery.Vol. 1 (3rd ed.).Churchill Livingstone.pp. 93–132.doi:10.1016/B978-0-7020-6056-4.00007-1.ISBN978-0-7020-6056-4.