Skip to main content

Unfortunately we don't fully support your browser. If you have the option to, please upgrade to a newer version or use Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, or Safari 14 or newer. If you are unable to, and need support, please send us your feedback.

Elsevier
Publish with us
Zygomatic Branches of Facial Nerve
Nervous System

Zygomatic Branches of Facial Nerve

Ramus zygomaticus nervus facialis

Read more

Quick Facts

Origin: Superior division of the facial nerve.

Course: Runs anteriorly and slightly superiorly, through the parotid gland to the region of the lateral orbit.

Branches: None.

Supply: Motor innervation to the muscles of facial expression located in the middle portion of the face.

Complete Anatomy
The world's most advanced 3D anatomy platform
Try it for Free

Origin

The zygomatic branches of the facial nerve originate when the superior division of the facial nerve splits. This occurs in the substance of the parotid gland.

Course

From its origin, the zygomatic branches of the facial nerve run anteriorly and slightly superiorly out of the parotid gland. They continue forward, towards the lateral orbit.

Branches

There are no named branches, however, the zygomatic branches of the facial nerve can form anastomoses with buccal branch fibers as well as fibers from the zygomaticofacial and lacrimal nerves.

Supplied Structures

The zygomatic branches of the facial nerve are motor nerves that innervate muscles of facial expression in and around the orbit. It sends branchial motor efferents.

The muscles innervated by the zygomatic branches are the procerus, orbicularis oculi, levator labii superioris, and levator labii superioris alaeque nasi muscles.

Complete Anatomy

The world's most advanced 3D anatomy platform

Complete Anatomy