Nasociliary nerve

Nasociliary nerve is a sensory nerve that is part of the ophthalmic nerve branch of the trigeminal nerve. It is responsible for the sensory innervation of the eye and parts of the nose.

Etymology

The term "nasociliary" is derived from "naso-", a prefix from the Latin "nasus" meaning "nose", and "-ciliary", from the Latin "cilia" meaning "eyelash". This reflects the nerve's function in providing sensory innervation to the areas of the nose and eye.

Anatomy

The nasociliary nerve originates from the ophthalmic nerve, which is itself a branch of the trigeminal nerve, the fifth cranial nerve. It enters the orbit via the superior orbital fissure, a gap in the bones of the skull, and gives off several branches to supply the eye and nose.

Branches

The nasociliary nerve gives off several branches, including:

• Long ciliary nerves: These nerves carry sensory information from the cornea and iris of the eye.
• Anterior ethmoidal nerve: This nerve carries sensory information from the anterior and middle parts of the nasal cavity.
• Posterior ethmoidal nerve: This nerve carries sensory information from the posterior part of the nasal cavity.
• Infratrochlear nerve: This nerve carries sensory information from the skin of the upper eyelid and side of the nose.

Clinical significance

Damage to the nasociliary nerve can result in loss of sensation in the areas it supplies, including the cornea, iris, and nasal cavity. This can lead to complications such as corneal ulcers and nasal dryness. It can also result in a loss of the corneal reflex, which is the involuntary blinking of the eye in response to stimulation of the cornea.

See also

• Ophthalmic nerve
• Trigeminal nerve
• Long ciliary nerves
• Anterior ethmoidal nerve
• Posterior ethmoidal nerve
• Infratrochlear nerve

Nasociliary nerve Resources
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