Quick Facts
Origin: Zygomatic nerve.
Course: Runs anteriorly in the orbit before exiting laterally through the zygomaticotemporal foramen to enter the temporal fossa, piercing the temporalis fascia to become cutaneous.
Branches: None.
Supply: Conveys general sensory information from the skin overlaying the anterior temple.
Related parts of the anatomy
Origin
The zygomaticotemporal nerve is a branch of the zygomatic nerve that originates at the inferior lateral wall of the orbit.
Course
From its origin, the zygomaticotemporal nerve runs anteriorly in the orbit, then laterally through the zygomaticotemporal foramen to exit the orbit. It emerges in the temporal fossa posterior to the zygomatic bone and a few centimeters superior to the zygomatic arch. It moves superficially, piercing the temporalis fascia to become cutaneous (Tubbs et al, 2012).
Branches
The zygomaticotemporal nerve sometimes gives rise to the communicating branch to the lacrimal nerve, or to the lacrimal gland, that carries parasympathetic fibers.
Supplied Structures
The zygomaticotemporal nerve is a sensory nerve that conveys general sensation from the skin overlying the anterior temple region.
References
Tubbs, R. S., Mortazavi, M. M., Shoja, M. M., Loukas, M. & Cohen-Gadol, A. A. (2012) The zygomaticotemporal nerve and its relevance to neurosurgery. World Neurosurg, 78(5), 515-8.
