🧠 Zygomatic Nerve

🔹 Origin

Branch of the maxillary nerve (CN V2)

Arises in the pterygopalatine fossa

🔹 Course

Leaves the pterygopalatine fossa through the inferior orbital fissure

Enters the orbit

Divides into:

Zygomaticotemporal nerve

Zygomaticofacial nerve

🔹 Functions

Sensory:

Zygomaticotemporal nerve: supplies skin over the anterior temple

Zygomaticofacial nerve: supplies skin over the cheekbone (zygomatic prominence)

Autonomic conduit:

Zygomaticotemporal nerve carries postganglionic parasympathetic fibers from the pterygopalatine ganglion to the lacrimal nerve (branch of ophthalmic nerve, CN V1) → This pathway innervates the lacrimal gland to stimulate tear production

💡 Summary Flow (Lacrimal Pathway) CN VII (facial) → Greater petrosal nerve

Joins deep petrosal → forms nerve of pterygoid canal

Synapses in the pterygopalatine ganglion

Postganglionic fibers hitch a ride on zygomatic nerve (CN V2) → zygomaticotemporal branch

Then jump to the lacrimal nerve (CN V1)

→ Lacrimal gland 💧