The zygomatic nerve is a nerve of the head and neck region. It is the main branch of the maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve.
It supplies sensation to the skin of the cheek, temple and lateral forehead.
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Course
The zygomatic nerve arises from the maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve within the pterygopalatine fossa.
It enters the bony orbit through the inferior orbital fissure, and then passes anteriorly through the inferior aspect of the orbit.
It then terminates by dividing into two terminal branches:
- Zygomaticotemporal nerve – leaves the orbit via the zygomaticotemporal foramen. It supplies sensation to the lateral aspect of the forehead and temple. It also carries parasympathetic branches to the lacrimal nerve – which in turn supplies the lacrimal gland.
- Zygomaticofacial nerve – leaves the orbit via the zygomaticofacial foramen. It supplies sensory innervation to the malar prominence of the cheek.
Sensory Functions
The zygomatic nerve contributes to the cutaneous innervation of the face via two branches:
- Zygomaticotemporal branch – supplies skin of lateral forehead and temple region.
- Zygomaticofacial branch – supplies skin of the malar prominence of the cheek.