Structure and Variation
- The zygomatic nerve is a branch of the maxillary nerve (CN V) that arises at the pterygopalatine ganglion.
- It exits from the pterygopalatine fossa through the inferior orbital fissure to enter the orbit.
- In the orbit, it travels anteriorly along its lateral wall.
- It divides into branches: zygomaticotemporal nerve, zygomaticofacial nerve, and a communicating branch to the lacrimal nerve.
- 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.
Function
- The terminal branches of the zygomatic nerve contain sensory axons, providing sensation to the skin over the temporal bone and the zygomatic bone.
- The zygomatic nerve also carries postganglionic parasympathetic axons from the pterygopalatine ganglion.
- These axons travel from the ganglion to the zygomatic nerve and then to the lacrimal nerve through a communicating branch, providing secretomotor supply to the lacrimal gland.
Clinical Significance
- The zygomatic nerve can be blocked indirectly by anesthetizing the maxillary nerve (CN V).
- Fractures to the zygomatic bone can damage the zygomatic nerve and its branches.
Additional Images
- The nerves of the scalp, face, and side of the neck.
- Branches of the trigeminal nerve. The zygomatic nerve is visible branching from the maxillary nerve and entering the orbit.
Summary
- The zygomatic nerve is a branch of the maxillary nerve that travels through the pterygopalatine fossa and inferior orbital fissure to enter the orbit.
- It divides into branches within the orbit and provides sensory innervation to the temporal and zygomatic bones.
- It also carries parasympathetic axons to the lacrimal gland.
- Clinical significance includes indirect blockage through the maxillary nerve and potential damage from zygomatic bone fractures.
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.
zygomatic nerve (plural zygomatic nerves)
