The posterior ethmoidal nerve is a sensory nerve of the nasal region.
It supplies sensory innervation to the dura mater and sphenoid and posterior ethmoidal paranasal sinuses.
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Course
The posterior ethmoidal nerve arises within the bony orbit as a branch of the nasociliary nerve (itself a branch of the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve).
It travels medially, leaving the orbit and entering the cranial cavity via the posterior ethmoidal foramen. It is accompanied by the posterior ethmoidal artery and vein.
Within the anterior cranial fossa, it terminates as sensory nerves to the sphenoid and posterior ethmoidal sinuses.
Sensory Supply
The posterior ethmoidal nerve provides sensory innervation to the following structures:
- Sphenoid sinus
- Posterior ethmoidal sinus
- Dura mater associated with the anterior cranial fossa.