Structure and Origin
- The lacrimal nerve branches from the ophthalmic nerve.
- It enters the orbit through the superior orbital fissure.
- It receives a secretomotor branch from the zygomaticotemporal nerve for the lacrimal gland.
- It is accompanied by the lacrimal artery along its course through the orbit.
- It pierces the orbital septum to reach its terminal target tissues.

Course
- It enters the orbit through the superior orbital fissure outside the common tendinous ring.
- It courses lateral to the frontal nerve and trochlear nerve (CN IV).
- It travels anterior-ward along the superior portion of the lateral wall of the orbit.
- It receives a secretomotor branch for the lacrimal gland from the zygomaticotemporal nerve.
- It is accompanied by the lacrimal artery along its course through the orbit.

Parasympathetic
- At the superior portion of the lateral wall of the orbit, the lacrimal nerve receives a secretomotor parasympathetic branch from the zygomaticotemporal nerve.
- The parasympathetic branch contains post-ganglionic fibers for the lacrimal gland from the pterygopalatine ganglion.
- The lacrimal nerve conveys the parasympathetic branch to the lacrimal gland.

Variation
- Occasionally, the lacrimal nerve is replaced by the zygomaticotemporal nerve, and vice versa.