Supratrochlear Nerve - Podcast Version 0:00 / 0:00 1x 0.25x 0.5x 0.75x 1x 1.25x 1.5x 1.75x 2x The supratrochlear nerve is a nerve of the head and neck region. It is a terminal branch of the frontal nerve. It supplies sensory innervation to the upper eyelid, 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 supratrochlear 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 fibres of the levator palpebrae superioris muscle, running in an anteromedial direction through the orbit, and passing above the trochlea of the superior oblique. The nerve leaves the bony orbit and enters the forehead via the frontal notch at the superomedial orbital rim. Here it supplies sensory fibres to the skin and conjunctiva of the upper eyelid. The supratrochlear nerve passes deep to the corrugator and frontalis muscles before dividing into sensory branches that supply the anteromedial forehead. By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2026) Fig 1Course of the supratrochlear nerve within the bony orbit Supply The supratrochlear nerve supplies sensation to the following structures: Skin and conjunctiva of medial aspect of upper eyelid. Skin and pericranium of the anteromedial forehead and scalp (as far backwards as the vertex). Frequent questions What is the supratrochlear nerve? The supratrochlear nerve is a sensory nerve located in the head and neck region that branches from the frontal nerve. It provides sensory innervation to the upper eyelid, forehead, and scalp. What structures are innervated by the supratrochlear nerve? The supratrochlear nerve supplies sensation to the skin and conjunctiva of the upper eyelid, as well as the skin and pericranium of the anteromedial forehead and scalp, extending towards the vertex. Where does the supratrochlear nerve originate? The supratrochlear nerve originates as a terminal branch of the frontal nerve, which is a branch of the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve. It arises within the roof of the bony orbit. How does the supratrochlear nerve course through the orbit? The supratrochlear nerve runs anteromedially through the orbit, following the levator palpebrae superioris muscle and passing above the trochlea of the superior oblique before exiting the bony orbit. What is the clinical significance of the supratrochlear nerve? The supratrochlear nerve's sensory function is crucial for sensation in the forehead and upper eyelid, and injury to this nerve can lead to sensory deficits in these areas, affecting facial sensation and potentially impacting eyelid function. Rate This Article