Zygomaticotemporal nerve

The zygomaticotemporal nerve (zygomaticotemporal branch, temporal branch) is a cutaneous (sensory) nerve of the head.[1] It is a branch of the zygomatic nerve (itself a branch of the maxillary nerve (CN V2)). It arises in the orbit and exits the orbit through the zygomaticotemporal foramen in the zygomatic bone to enter the temporal fossa. It is distributed to the skin of the side of the forehead. It also contains a parasympathetic secretomotor component for the lacrimal gland which it confers to the lacrimal nerve (which then delivers it to the gland).

Zygomaticotemporal nerve
Distribution of the maxillary and mandibular nerves and the submaxillary ganglion
Details
Frommaxillary nerve
Innervatesskin on side of forehead
Identifiers
LatinRamus zygomaticotemporalis nervi zygomatici
TA98A14.2.01.057
TA26232
FMA52972
Anatomical terms of neuroanatomy

Structure

Origin

The zygomaticotemporal nerve is a branch of the zygomatic nerve.[2]: 496 

Course

It passes along the lateral wall of the orbit in a groove in the zygomatic bone.

It passes through the zygomaticotemporal foramen of the zygomatic bone[3] to emerge (at the anterior portion of) the temporal fossa.[1]

In the temporal fossa, it passes superior-ward[4] between the two layers of the temporal fascia,[2]: 357  between the temporal bone and temporalis muscle. It pierces the temporal fascia about 2 cm superior to the zygomatic arch.[1]

As it pierces the deep layer of temporal fascia, it issues a small branch which runs between the two layers of the temporalis fascia to the lateral angle of the orbit.[1]

Distribution

The nerve provides sensory innervation to a small area of skin[2]: 354  over the temple[1][2]: 354, 356  superior to the zygomatic arch.[2]: 496 

Communications

The zygomaticotemporal nerve communicates with the facial nerve (CN VII) (in most individuals[5]),[1][5] the lacrimal nerve (a branch of the ophthalmic nerve (CN V1)),[2]: 495  and the auriculotemporal nerve (a branch of the mandibular nerve (CN V3)).[1]

  • The zygomaticotemporal nerve confers a parasympathetic[6] secretomotor[2]: 495  communicating[2]: 402  branch (containing post-ganglionic fibres for the lacrimal gland from the pterygopalatine ganglion[2]: 399 ) to the lacrimal nerve at the superior portion of the lateral wall of the orbit.[2]: 495 

Variation

Sometimes, the zygomaticotemporal nerve replaces the lacrimal nerve and vice versa.[1]

References

Public domain This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 889 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)

  1. Standring, Susan (2020). Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice (42th ed.). New York. p. 631. ISBN 978-0-7020-7707-4. OCLC 1201341621.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  2. Sinnatamby, Chummy S. (2011). Last's Anatomy (12th ed.). Elsevier Australia. ISBN 978-0-7295-3752-0.
  3. Rea, Paul (2016). "2 - Head". Essential Clinically Applied Anatomy of the Peripheral Nervous System in the Head and Neck. Academic Press. pp. 21–130. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-803633-4.00002-8. ISBN 978-0-12-803633-4.
  4. Totonchi, Ali; Pashmini, Nazly; Guyuron, Bahman (January 2005). "The Zygomaticotemporal Branch of the Trigeminal Nerve: An Anatomical Study". Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 115 (1): 273–277. doi:10.1097/01.PRS.0000145639.42257.4F. ISSN 0032-1052. PMID 15622263. S2CID 2241737.
  5. Odobescu, A.; Williams, H. B.; Gilardino, M. S. (2012-09-01). "Description of a communication between the facial and zygomaticotemporal nerves". Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery. 65 (9): 1188–1192. doi:10.1016/j.bjps.2012.03.033. ISSN 1748-6815. PMID 22578790.
  6. Standring, Susan (2020). Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice (42nd ed.). New York. p. 782. ISBN 978-0-7020-7707-4. OCLC 1201341621.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
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