Infraorbital nerve
The infraorbital nerve is a branch of the maxillary nerve, itself a branch of the trigeminal nerve (CN V). It travels through the orbit and enters the infraorbital canal to exit onto the face through the infraorbital foramen. It provides sensory innervation to the skin and mucous membranes around the middle of the face.[1]
| Infraorbital nerve | |
|---|---|
 Left orbicularis oculi, seen from behind. (Infraorbital nerve labeled at lower left.) | |
 Sensory areas of the head, showing the general distribution of the three divisions of the fifth nerve. (Infraorbital nerve labeled at center left, at the nose.) | |
| Details | |
| From | maxillary nerve |
| To | posterior superior alveolar nerve, middle superior alveolar nerve, anterior superior alveolar nerve, palpebral branches, nasal branches, superior labial branches |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | Nervus infraorbitalis |
| TA98 | A14.2.01.059 |
| TA2 | 6239 |
| FMA | 52978 |
| Anatomical terms of neuroanatomy | |
Structure
The infraorbital nerve is a branch of the maxillary nerve (CN V2), itself a branch of the trigeminal nerve (CN V).[2] It travels with the infraorbital artery and vein. It branches from the maxillary nerve in the pterygopalatine fossa and travels through the inferior orbital fissure to enter the orbit.[2] It runs anteriorly along the floor of the orbit in the infraorbital groove to the infraorbital canal of the maxilla. Within the infraorbital canal it has three branches, the posterior superior alveolar nerve, middle superior alveolar nerve and anterior superior alveolar nerve. After traversing the canal it emerges onto the anterior surface of the maxilla through the infraorbital foramen. Here, it divides into its terminal branches; palpebral, nasal and superior labial.
Branches
Within infraorbital canal from proximal to distal:
- posterior superior alveolar nerve.
- middle superior alveolar nerve.
- anterior superior alveolar nerve.
After it exits the infraorbital foramen:
- palpebral branches.
- nasal branches.
- superior labial branches.
The palpebral branches ascend deep to the orbicularis oculi and pierce the muscle to supply the skin of the lower eyelid. The nasal branches supply the skin of the side of the nose and the moveable part of the nasal septum. The superior labial branches descend deep to the levator labii superioris to supply the skin of the anterior cheek and upper lip.
Function
The infraorbital nerve provides sensation to the skin of the lower eyelid,[2] the side of the nose,[2] the moveable part of nasal septum, the anterior cheek, and part of the upper lip.[2] It does not provide motor supply to any muscles.
Clinical significance
Infraorbital nerve block
The infraorbital nerve is often blocked with local anesthetic to induce analgesia. This may be due to chronic pain,[2] or during dental or surgical procedures of the face. The needle is inserted (aiming medially) near to the infraorbital foramen, which can be palpated.[2]
Trigeminal neuralgia
The infraorbital nerve can be implicated in trigeminal neuralgia, where patients have severe orofacial pain.
Orbital fracture
A fracture of the floor of the orbit can injure the infraorbital nerve resulting in anesthesia in its sensory distribution.
References
- Gray's anatomy : the anatomical basis of clinical practice. Standring, Susan (41 ed.). [Philadelphia]. 2016. ISBN 978-0-7020-5230-9. OCLC 920806541.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link) - Candido, Kenneth D.; Batra, Mani (2008). "46 - Nerve Blocks of the Head and Neck". Raj's Practical Management of Pain (4th ed.). Mosby. pp. 851–870. doi:10.1016/B978-032304184-3.50049-2. ISBN 978-0-323-04184-3.