Zygomatic nerve

Last edited and medically reviewed by Alaric Steinmetz on 13.01.2025

Synonyms

zygomatic nerve, N. zygomaticus

The zygomatic nerve is a branch of the maxillary nerve, which in turn originates from the Trigeminal nerve.

Anatomy

The zygomatic nerve branches off from the maxillary nerve in the Pterygopalatine fossa and reaches the lateral wall of the Inferior orbital fissure through the Orbit. The zygomatic nerve gives off the following branches[^1]:

Communicating branch with postganglionic parasympathetic secretomotor fibers for the Lacrimal gland.
Zygomaticotemporal branch as a sensory cutaneous branch.
Zygomaticofacial branch as a sensory cutaneous branch.

Function

The zygomatic nerve provides sensory innervation to the skin over the Os zygomaticum and the Os temporale. The parasympathetic fibers of the Ganglion pterygopalatinum Nervus petrosus major Nervus facialis, travel to the Nervus lacrimalis and provide visceromotor innervation to the lacrimal gland.

Figure

Nerves of the orbit — Lateral view of the neural structures in the orbit. Figure adapted from Gray’s Anatomy.