The supraorbital nerve is a nerve of the head and neck region.
It is the largest branch of the frontal nerve and supplies the skin of the forehead and scalp.
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Course
The supraorbital nerve arises as a terminal branch of the frontal nerve (itself a branch of the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve) within the roof of the bony orbit.
It follows the levator palpebrae superioris muscle and then leaves the orbit via the supraorbital foramen, located at the superior aspect of the orbital rim.
The supraorbital nerve emerges onto the forehead (accompanied by the supraorbital artery) and divides into sensory branches that supply the forehead and scalp.
Fig 2
The supraorbital nerve leaving the orbit and emerging onto the forehead at the superior aspect of the orbital rim.
Sensory Supply
The supraorbital nerve supplies sensation to the following structures:
- Mucosal lining of the frontal sinus
- Skin and conjunctiva of the upper eyelid
- Skin and pericranium of the forehead and scalp (as far backwards as the vertex)