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

Nasal (Nasociliary) Nerve

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

The infratrochlear branch of the nasal nerve may be missing, in which case the areas normally supplied by this branch (skin of the upper eyelid, root of nose, conjunctiva, lacrimal caruncle and sac) receive their supply from the supratrochlear branch of the frontal nerve. Branches of the nasal nerve have been described passing to the frontal, ethmoidal, and sphenoidal sinuses. The branches to the frontal and anterior ethmoidal sinuses arise in the anterior ethmoidal foramen; branches to the sphenoidal and posterior ethmoidal sinuses arise in the posterior ethmoidal foramen. The branches to the sphenoidal sinuses are known as sphenoidal branches, whereas the branches to the posterior ethmoidal sinuses are known as sphenoethmoidal or posterior ethmoidal barnches.

An anastomosis between the nasal and lacrimal nerves has been reported.

References

Anson, B.J., Ed. (1966) Morris' Human Anatomy, 12th ed., The Blakiston Division, McGraw-Hill Book Company, New York.

Cushing, H. (1904) The sensory distribution of the fifth cranial nerve. Johns Hopkins Hospital Bulletin 15:213-232.

Schaefer, E.A., Symington, J. and T.H. Bryce., Eds. (1915) Quaim's Anatomy, 11th ed., Longmans, Green, and Co., London.

URL: http://www.anatomyatlases.org/