Infratrochlear Nerve - Podcast Version 0:00 / 0:00 1x 0.25x 0.5x 0.75x 1x 1.25x 1.5x 1.75x 2x The infratrochlear nerve is a sensory nerve of the periorbital region. It supplies sensory innervation to the medial portion of the skin around the orbit, conjunctiva and lacrimal apparatus. 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 infratrochlear nerve arises within the bony orbit as a terminal branch of the nasociliary nerve (itself a branch of the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve). It passes anteriorly in the orbit along the superior border of the medial rectus muscle. Inferior to the trochlea of the superior oblique, the infratrochlear nerve exits the orbit and enters the face. It terminates as numerous cutaneous branches that supply the skin surrounding the orbit. By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2026) Fig 1 -The infratrochlear nerve arises within the bony orbit as a terminal branch of the nasociliary nerve. Sensory Supply The infratrochlear nerve supplies sensory innervation to the following structures: Skin and conjunctiva of the upper eyelid Skin of the lateral aspect of the upper nose Superficial lacrimal apparatus and lacrimal caruncle Frequent questions What is the infratrochlear nerve? The infratrochlear nerve is a sensory nerve located in the periorbital region that provides sensory innervation to the medial skin around the orbit, conjunctiva, and the lacrimal apparatus. What structures receive sensory innervation from the infratrochlear nerve? The infratrochlear nerve supplies sensory innervation to the skin and conjunctiva of the upper eyelid, the lateral aspect of the upper nose, and the superficial lacrimal apparatus, including the lacrimal caruncle. Where does the infratrochlear nerve originate? The infratrochlear nerve originates as a terminal branch of the nasociliary nerve, which is a branch of the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve, within the bony orbit. How does the infratrochlear nerve course through the orbit? The infratrochlear nerve travels anteriorly along the superior border of the medial rectus muscle, exiting the orbit inferior to the trochlea of the superior oblique before entering the face. What is the clinical significance of the infratrochlear nerve? The infratrochlear nerve is clinically significant as it provides sensory innervation to key facial structures; damage to this nerve can result in altered sensation in the areas it supplies, affecting the skin around the orbit and upper nose. Rate This Article