Illustrated Encyclopedia of Human Anatomic Variation: Opus III: Nervous System: Cranial Nerves and Ganglia

Lacrimal Nerve

Ronald A. Bergman, PhD
Adel K. Afifi, MD, MS
Ryosuke Miyauchi, MD
Peer Review Status: Internally Peer Reviewed

This nerve may appear to be derived from the trochlear nerve. However, the probable source in such cases is the ophthalamic nerve through its communicating branch to the trochlear in the cavernous sinus.

The lacrimal nerve may be small at its origin, increasing in size later in its course by addition of fibers derived from the temporal branch of the maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve. The lacrimal nerve may be absent and replaced by the temporal branch of the maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve.

It occasionally gives rise to a ciliary nerve, or it receives a branch from a long ciliary nerve of the ciliary ganglion or a branch from the ganglion directly.

It may receive accessory roots from the supraorbital or nasociliary nerves.

The bifurcation of the lacrimal into its terminal branches may occur on the posterior wall of the orbital cavity. A branch of the lacrimal has been noted piercing the sclera.

The lacrimal may exchange fibers with the ciliary ganglion.

References

Huber, G.C., Ed. (1930) Piersol's Human Anatomy, 9th ed. L.B. Lippincott Co., Philadelphia.

Schaeffer, E.A., Symington, J. and T.H. Bryce., Eds. Quain's Anatomy, 11th ed., Longmans, Green, and Co., London.

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