Structure and Origin - The zygomaticotemporal nerve is a branch of the zygomatic nerve. - It passes along the lateral wall of the orbit in a groove in the zygomatic bone. - It passes through the zygomaticotemporal foramen of the zygomatic bone to emerge at the anterior portion of the temporal fossa. - In the temporal fossa, it passes between the two layers of the temporal fascia, between the temporal bone and temporalis muscle. - It pierces the temporal fascia about 2 cm superior to the zygomatic arch. - It originates in the zygomatic bone. - It is part of the trigeminal nerve (CN V). - Its origin is located in the lateral wall of the orbit.

Course - The zygomaticotemporal nerve passes along the lateral wall of the orbit in a groove in the zygomatic bone. - It passes through the zygomaticotemporal foramen of the zygomatic bone. - It emerges at the anterior portion of the temporal fossa. - In the temporal fossa, it passes between the two layers of the temporal fascia. - It pierces the temporal fascia about 2 cm superior to the zygomatic arch.

Distribution - The zygomaticotemporal nerve provides sensory innervation to a small area of skin over the temple. - It is responsible for sensory innervation superior to the zygomatic arch. - The nerve covers a small area of skin on the temple.

Communications - The zygomaticotemporal nerve communicates with the facial nerve (CN VII). - It also communicates with the lacrimal nerve, a branch of the ophthalmic nerve (CN V1). - It communicates with the auriculotemporal nerve, a branch of the mandibular nerve (CN V). - The zygomaticotemporal nerve confers a parasympathetic secretomotor communicating branch to the lacrimal nerve. - The parasympathetic branch contains post-ganglionic fibers for the lacrimal gland from the pterygopalatine ganglion.

Function - The zygomaticotemporal nerve is a sensory nerve. - It is part of the trigeminal nerve (CN V). - It provides sensory innervation to a small area of skin over the temple and superior to the zygomatic arch.