Posterior ethmoidal nerve

Posterior Ethmoidal Nerve

The Posterior Ethmoidal Nerve is a branch of the ophthalmic nerve (V1) which is itself a branch of the trigeminal nerve. It is smaller than the anterior ethmoidal nerve, another branch of the ophthalmic nerve.

Etymology

The term "ethmoidal" is derived from the Greek word "ethmos," meaning sieve, and "oid," meaning like. This is in reference to the ethmoid bone's sieve-like structure. The term "posterior" is derived from the Latin word "posterior," meaning later or following.

Anatomy

The posterior ethmoidal nerve arises from the nasociliary nerve, a branch of the ophthalmic nerve, in the posterior part of the orbit. It passes through the posterior ethmoidal canal to supply the posterior ethmoidal cells and sphenoidal sinus. It also gives off an internal branch which passes through the cribriform plate to supply the superior part of the nasal septum and lateral wall of the nasal cavity.

Function

The posterior ethmoidal nerve carries sensory fibers from the mucous membrane of the posterior ethmoidal cells, sphenoidal sinus, and the superior part of the nasal septum and lateral wall of the nasal cavity.

Clinical Significance

Damage to the posterior ethmoidal nerve can result in loss of sensation in the areas it supplies. This can occur due to trauma, infection, or surgical procedures involving the ethmoid bone or sphenoidal sinus.

Related Terms

• Ophthalmic nerve
• Trigeminal nerve
• Anterior ethmoidal nerve
• Nasociliary nerve
• Orbit
• Posterior ethmoidal canal
• Ethmoidal cells
• Sphenoidal sinus
• Cribriform plate
• Nasal septum
• Nasal cavity

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