Trigeminal Nerve 83

GENERAL SENSORY (AFFERENT) COMPONENT

Ophthalmic Division (V1)
The ophthalmic division has three major branches (Table V-2): the frontal, lacrimal,
and nasociliary nerves (Figures V—3 and V-4). 'The frontal nerve is formed by the supra-
orbital nerve from the forehead and scalp and the supratrochlear nerve from the bridge
of the nose, medial part of the upper eyelid, and medial forehead. A small sensory twig
from the frontal air sinus joins the frontal nerve near the anterior part of the orbit.
The lacrimal nerve carries sensory information from the lateral part of the upper
eyelid, conjunctiva, and lacrimal gland. It runs posteriorly near the roof of the orbit to
join the frontal and nasociliary nerves at the superior orbital fissure. Secretomotor
fibers to the lacrimal gland from cranial nerve VII (facial), may travel briefly with
the lacrimal nerve in its peripheral portion.
The nasociliary nerve is formed by the convergence of several terminal branches.
These are the infratrochlear nerve from the skin of the medial part of the eyelid and
side of the nose, the external nasal nerve from the skin of the ala and apex of the
nose, the internal nasal nerve from the anterior part of the nasal septum and lateral
wall of the nasal cavity, the anterior and posterior ethmoidal nerves from the eth -
moidal air sinuses, and the long and short ciliary nerves from the bulb of the eye.
The ophthalmic division leaves the orbit through the superior orbital fissure,
passes through the cavernous sinus, and enters the trigeminal ganglion. Here it is
joined by a meningeal branch from the tentorium cerebelli.

Figure V-3 Apex of right orbit illustrating branches of the ophthalmic division (V1).