Zygomatic Nerve

Origin

The zygomatic nerve is a branch of the maxillary nerve. It originates in the upper pterygopalatine fossa shortly after the maxillary nerve enters this space.

Course

The zygomatic nerve runs anteriorly into the orbit via the inferior orbital foramen. It continues anteriorly along the inferior lateral wall of the orbit until it ends by branching into the zygomaticotemporal and zygomaticofacial branches.

Branches

The zygomatic nerve gives rise to two nerves, the zygomaticotemporal nerve, which exits the orbit via the zygomaticotemporal foramen, and the zygomaticofacial nerve, which exits the orbit via the zygomaticofacial foramen. Additionally, the parasympathetic fibers will communicate with the lacrimal nerve either directly off the zygomatic nerve, or as a communication from the zygomaticotemporal nerve.

Supplied Structures

The zygomatic nerve is a mixed nerve containing both general sensory fibers and postganglionic parasympathetic fibers.

The sensory fibers convey general sensory information from the skin of the anterior inferior temple, the zygomatic bone and arch, and the upper cheek. This occurs via the zygomaticotemporal and zygomaticofacial branches of the zygomatic nerve.

The parasympathetic fibers run with the zygomatic nerve into the orbit before communicating superiorly and into the periorbital fascia to reach the lacrimal nerve and their target, the lacrimal gland.