Supraorbital Nerve - Podcast Version 0:00 / 0:00 1x 0.25x 0.5x 0.75x 1x 1.25x 1.5x 1.75x 2x 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. 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 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. By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2026) Fig 1Course of the supraorbital nerve through the orbit. By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2026) Fig 2The 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) Frequent questions What is the supraorbital nerve? The supraorbital nerve is the largest branch of the frontal nerve, responsible for providing sensory innervation to the skin of the forehead and scalp. It originates from the frontal nerve, which is a branch of the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve. Where does the supraorbital nerve emerge from the orbit? The supraorbital nerve exits the orbit through the supraorbital foramen, located at the superior aspect of the orbital rim. It follows the path of the levator palpebrae superioris muscle before leaving the orbit. What areas does the supraorbital nerve supply sensation to? The supraorbital nerve supplies sensory innervation to the mucosal lining of the frontal sinus, the skin and conjunctiva of the upper eyelid, and the skin and pericranium of the forehead and scalp, extending as far back as the vertex. What is the course of the supraorbital nerve? The supraorbital nerve arises as a terminal branch of the frontal nerve within the roof of the bony orbit and follows the levator palpebrae superioris muscle before exiting the orbit. After passing through the supraorbital foramen, it branches out to supply the forehead and scalp. What is the clinical relevance of the supraorbital nerve? Understanding the supraorbital nerve's path and sensory supply is crucial for procedures involving the forehead and scalp, as well as for diagnosing conditions related to sensory loss or pain in these areas. Its proximity to the supraorbital artery also makes it significant in surgical contexts. Rate This Article