Corpus: Zygomaticotemporal nerve

The zygomaticotemporal nerve is a sensory nerve branch of the zygomatic nerve.

The zygomaticotemporal nerve branches off from the zygomatic nerve in the posterior part of the orbit. It runs forward in a groove in the zygomatic bone on the lateral orbital wall, communicating with the lacrimal nerve via a small connecting branch. It then enters the zygomatico-orbital foramen, passes through a small canal in the zygomatic bone, and exits the skull through the zygomaticotemporal foramen in the temporal fossa.

Here, it ascends between the bone and the temporalis muscle, piercing the fascia about 2-3 cm above the zygomatic arch. In the subcutaneous tissue, it divides into fine branches that supply the skin over the temple. At the edge of its supply area, it communicates with the facial nerve and the auriculotemporal nerve.