Ophthalmic nerve

The ophthalmic nerve is the first (V1) and smallest of the three nerve branches of the trigeminal nerve and is a purely sensory and afferent nerve branch.

Anatomy

The ophthalmic nerve originates as the most superior nerve from the trigeminal ganglion. The ophthalmic nerve then travels approximately 2.5 cm in the inferior lateral wall of the cavernous sinus and then enters the superior orbital fissure into the orbit[^1]. The ophthalmic nerve divides into the following nerve branches:

• Tentorial branch

• Frontal nerve

• Lacrimal nerve

• Nasociliary nerve

Function

The ophthalmic nerve provides sensory innervation to the following structures:

• Tentorium cerebelli

• Dura mater

• Falx cerebri

• Frontal sinus

• Sphenoidal sinus

• Ethmoidal sinus

• Lacrimal gland

• Mucosa of the nasal cavity

• Iris

• Cornea

• Ciliary body

• Upper eyelid

• Forehead region and bridge of the nose

Figures