Infratrochlear nerve

Infratrochlear nerve

The Infratrochlear nerve is a branch of the ophthalmic nerve, which is itself a branch of the trigeminal nerve. It is a small sensory nerve that provides innervation to the skin of the upper eyelid and the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity.

Etymology

The term "infratrochlear" comes from the Latin words "infra", meaning "below", and "trochlea", a pulley-like structure. This refers to the nerve's location below the trochlea of the superior oblique muscle in the eye.

Anatomy

The infratrochlear nerve originates from the nasociliary nerve, a branch of the ophthalmic nerve. It travels along the medial wall of the orbit, below the trochlea, to reach the medial angle of the eye. Here, it divides into two branches: one that supplies the skin of the upper eyelid and the root of the nose, and another that supplies the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity.

Function

The infratrochlear nerve is a sensory nerve. Its main function is to provide sensory innervation to the skin of the upper eyelid and the root of the nose. It also provides sensory innervation to the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity.

Clinical significance

Damage to the infratrochlear nerve can result in loss of sensation in the areas it innervates. This can occur due to trauma, surgery, or conditions that affect the trigeminal nerve or its branches.

Related terms

• Ophthalmic nerve
• Trigeminal nerve
• Nasociliary nerve
• Superior oblique muscle

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