From Maxillary nerve Dorlands
/Elsevier n_05/12567081 FMA 52967 | Latin nervus zygomaticus TA A14.2.01.056 | |
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The zygomatic nerve is not to be confused with the zygomatic branches of the facial nerve.
The zygomatic nerve (temporomalar nerve; orbital nerve) is a branch of the maxillary nerve (CN V2, itself a branch of the trigeminal nerve) that enters the orbit and helps to supply the skin over the zygomatic and temporal bones.
Structure
The zygomatic nerve arises in the pterygopalatine fossa. It enters the orbit by the inferior orbital fissure, and divides at the back of that cavity into two branches, the zygomaticotemporal nerve and zygomaticofacial nerve, which exit the orbit using identically named foramen.
The zygomatic nerve carries sensory fibers from the skin. It also carries post-synaptic parasympathetic fibers (originating in the pterygopalatine ganglion) to the lacrimal nerve via a communication. These fibers will eventually provide innervation to the lacrimal gland. These parasympathetic preganglionic fibers come from the facial nerve (CN VII).