Infraorbital Nerve - Podcast Version 0:00 / 0:00 1x 0.25x 0.5x 0.75x 1x 1.25x 1.5x 1.75x 2x The infraorbital nerve is a nerve of the face. It is the terminal branch of the maxillary division (V2) of the trigeminal nerve. It supplies sensation to structures of the midface – lower eyelid, side of the nose, cheek, upper lip, maxillary sinus and upper teeth. Pro Feature - 3D Model You've Discovered a Pro Feature Access our 3D Model Library Explore, cut, dissect, annotate and manipulate our 3D models to visualise anatomy in a dynamic, interactive way. Learn More Course The infraorbital nerve arises from the maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve within the pterygopalatine fossa. It leaves the pterygopalatine fossa to enter the bony orbit through the inferior orbital fissure. The infraorbital nerve then travels along a groove on the floor of the orbit (inferior orbital groove). Here, it gives rise to two sensory branches – middle superior and anterior superior alveolar nerves. The nerve exits the orbit via the inferior orbital canal and emerges on the face at the infraorbital foramen. It then terminates by dividing into several sensory branches to the skin: Palpebral branches Nasal branches Superior labial branches By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2026) Fig 1The course and branches of the infraorbital nerve Sensory Functions The infraorbital nerve supplies sensory innervation to structures of the midface via its branches: Middle superior and anterior superior alveolar nerves – maxillary sinus, upper teeth and gums Palpebral branches – skin and conjunctiva of the lower eyelid Nasal branches – lateral surface of external nose and nasal septum. Superior labial branches – upper lip, oral mucosa of upper lip, skin of anterior aspect of cheek. Frequent questions What is the infraorbital nerve? The infraorbital nerve is a sensory nerve that branches from the maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve and innervates the midface, including the lower eyelid, cheek, side of the nose, upper lip, and upper teeth. What structures does the infraorbital nerve supply sensation to? The infraorbital nerve provides sensory innervation to the lower eyelid, cheek, side of the nose, upper lip, maxillary sinus, and upper teeth through its various branches. Where does the infraorbital nerve originate and how does it course? The infraorbital nerve originates in the pterygopalatine fossa and travels through the inferior orbital fissure into the orbit, following the inferior orbital groove before exiting via the inferior orbital canal. What branches arise from the infraorbital nerve? The infraorbital nerve gives rise to the middle superior and anterior superior alveolar nerves, as well as palpebral, nasal, and superior labial branches, each supplying different facial regions. What are the clinical implications of infraorbital nerve damage? Damage to the infraorbital nerve can lead to sensory loss or altered sensation in the midface region, affecting areas such as the lower eyelid, cheek, and upper lip, which may have implications for facial aesthetics and function. Rate This Article