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.
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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.
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