Structure and Connections - The zygomatic branches of the facial nerve are branches of the facial nerve (CN VII). - They run across the zygomatic bone to the lateral angle of the orbit, deep to zygomaticus major muscle. - They send fibers to orbicularis oculi muscle. - They have connections with the buccal branches of the facial nerve. - They join with filaments from the lacrimal nerve and the zygomaticofacial nerve from the maxillary nerve (CN V). - They also join with the inferior palpebral nerve and the superior labial nerve, both from the infraorbital nerve.

Function - The zygomatic branches of the facial nerve supply part of the orbicularis oculi muscle. - This muscle is used to close the eyelid.

Clinical significance - Testing - To test the zygomatic branches of the facial nerve, a patient is asked to close their eyes tightly. - This test utilizes the orbicularis oculi muscle. - The zygomatic branches of the facial nerve may be recorded and stimulated with an electrode.

Clinical significance - Surgical damage - Rarely, the zygomatic branches of the facial nerve may be damaged during surgery on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

Additional information - Lateral head anatomy detail - Dissection the newborn - Facial nerve dissection. - Zygomatic nerve - Zygomaticus major muscle - Zygomaticus minor muscle

References: - This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 905 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918). - Evans, T. William (2017). 80 - Facelift. Maxillofacial Surgery. Vol.2 (3rd ed.). Churchill Livingstone. pp.1195–1222. doi:10.1016/B978-0-7020-6056-4.00080-0. ISBN978-0-7020-6056-4. - Niamtu, Joe (2018). 3 - Facelift Surgery (Cervicofacial Rhytidectomy). Cosmetic Facial Surgery (2nd ed.). Elsevier. pp.32–187. doi:10.1016/B978-0-323-39393-5.00003-0. ISBN978-0-323-39393-5. - Fillmore, Erin P.; Seifert, Mark F. (2015). 22 - Anatomy of the Trigeminal Nerve. Nerves and Nerve Injuries. Vol.1: History, Embryology, Anatomy, Imaging, and Diagnostics. Academic Press. pp.319–350. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-410390-0.00023-8. ISBN978-0-12-410390-0. - Kennelly, Kathleen D. (2019). 21 - Clinical neurophysiology of cranial nerve disorders. Handbook of Clinical Neurology. Vol.161. Elsevier. pp.327–342. doi:10.1016/B978-0-444-64142-7.00058-8. ISBN978-0-444-64142-7. ISSN0072-9752. PMID31307611. S2CID196813653.