Supratrochlear nerve

The supratrochlear nerve is a branch of the frontal nerve, itself a branch of the ophthalmic nerve (CN V1) from the trigeminal nerve (CN V). It provides sensory innervation to the skin of the forehead and the upper eyelid.

Not to be confused with infratrochlear nerve.
Supratrochlear nerve
Sensory areas of the head, showing the general distribution of the three divisions of the fifth nerve. (Supratrochlear nerve labeled at upper left.)
Nerves of the orbit. Seen from above. (Supratrochlear nerve visible near top.)
Details
FromFrontal nerve
Identifiers
Latinnervus supratrochlearis
TA98A14.2.01.024
TA26203
FMA52642
Anatomical terms of neuroanatomy

Structure

The supratrochlear nerve is a branch of the frontal nerve, itself a branch of the ophthalmic nerve (CN V1) from the trigeminal nerve (CN V).[1] It is smaller than the supraorbital nerve from the frontal nerve.[1] It branches midway between the base and apex of the orbit. It passes above the trochlea of the superior oblique muscle.[2] It then travels anteriorly above the levator palpebrae superioris muscle. It exits the orbit through the frontal notch in the superomedial margin of the orbit.[1] It then ascends onto the forehead beneath the corrugator supercilii muscle and frontalis muscle. It then divides into sensory branches.

The supratrochlear nerve travels with the supratrochlear artery, a branch of the ophthalmic artery.[2]

Function

The supratrochlear nerve provides sensory innervation to the skin of the lateral lower forehead, upper eyelid, and the conjunctiva.[1] It may also supply sensation to the periosteum of part of the frontal bone of the skull.[3]

Clinical significance

The supratrochlear nerve may be anaesthetised for surgery of parts of the scalp.[4][5] This can be used for small lesions of the scalp.[4] It can also be used for more extensive injury to the scalp.[5] It is often anaesthetised alongside the supraorbital artery.[4]

Etymology

The supratrochlear nerve is named for its passage above the trochlea of the superior oblique muscle.[2]

Additional images
  • Supratrochlear nerve
  • Extrinsic eye muscle. Nerves of orbita. Deep dissection.
  • Extrinsic eye muscle. Nerves of orbita. Deep dissection.
  • Extrinsic eye muscle. Nerves of orbita. Deep dissection.
  • Extrinsic eye muscle. Nerves of orbita. Deep dissection.
  • Extrinsic eye muscle. Nerves of orbita. Deep dissection.

References

This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 888 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)

  1. Fillmore, Erin P.; Seifert, Mark F. (2015). "22 - Anatomy of the Trigeminal Nerve". Nerves and Nerve Injuries. Vol. 1: History, Embryology, Anatomy, Imaging, and Diagnostics. Academic Press. pp. 319–350. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-410390-0.00023-8. ISBN 978-0-12-410390-0.
  2. 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.
  3. Barral, Jean-Pierre; Croibier, Alain (2009). "15 - Ophthalmic nerve". Manual Therapy for the Cranial Nerves. Churchill LIvingstone. pp. 115–128. doi:10.1016/B978-0-7020-3100-7.50018-5. ISBN 978-0-7020-3100-7.
  4. Kinder Ross, Alison; Bryskin, Robert B. (2011). "16 - Regional Anesthesia". Smith's Anesthesia for Infants and Children (8th ed.). Mosby (imprint). pp. 452–510. doi:10.1016/B978-0-323-06612-9.00016-X. ISBN 978-0-323-06612-9.
  5. Trott, Alexander T. (2012). "6 - Infiltration and Nerve Block Anesthesia". Wounds and Lacerations - Emergency Care and Closure (4th ed.). Saunders. doi:10.1016/B978-0-323-07418-6.00006-X. ISBN 978-0-323-07418-6.
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