Zygomaticotemporal nerve: sensation of the temple
- Nerve
- Highlighted area
Quick facts
- Origin
- Branch of the zygomatic nerve, which comes from the maxillary nerve (second division of the trigeminal).
- Course
- Leaves the orbit through a small foramen in the temporal surface of the zygomatic bone, rises in the temporal fossa and pierces the deep temporal fascia.
- Territory
- Sensation of the skin of the anterior temple, next to the lateral border of the orbit.
- Relationships
- Emerges near the sentinel vein and should not be confused with the temporal branch of the facial nerve, which is motor.
- Relevance in facial harmonization
- Explains numbness or altered sensation in the temple and is cited in headache and migraine.
The zygomaticotemporal nerve is a sensory branch of the zygomatic nerve, which in turn comes from the maxillary nerve, the second division of the trigeminal nerve. It leaves the orbit through a small foramen in the temporal surface of the zygomatic bone, rises through the temporal fossa and pierces the deep temporal fascia to reach the skin. It is responsible for sensation in the anterior part of the temple, next to the lateral border of the orbit.
What is the course of the zygomaticotemporal nerve?
| Segment | What happens |
|---|---|
| Pterygopalatine fossa | The zygomatic nerve leaves the maxillary nerve |
| Orbit | Enters through the inferior orbital fissure and runs along the lateral wall of the orbit |
| Division | Splits into the zygomaticotemporal and zygomaticofacial branches |
| Zygomatic bone | The zygomaticotemporal passes through a small canal and exits on the temporal surface of the bone |
| Temporal fossa | Rises between the bone and the temporalis muscle |
| Temple skin | Pierces the deep temporal fascia above the zygomatic arch and spreads over the anterior temple |
In the orbit, it also sends a communicating branch to the lacrimal nerve, which carries fibers to the lacrimal gland. The exact point where it pierces the fascia varies between people and between sides.
How does it relate to the sentinel vein?
The sentinel vein, also called the medial zygomaticotemporal vein, crosses the layers of the temple near the lateral border of the orbit, in the same region where the zygomaticotemporal nerve emerges. Both serve as anatomical landmarks in the anterior temple. The vein, in turn, helps locate the temporal branch of the facial nerve, which usually runs a little above it. The layers involved are covered in temporal fasciae.
Why does it matter in facial harmonization?
- Altered sensation: numbness, tingling or different sensation in the anterior temple after a procedure may involve sensory branches of the region. In general, paresthesia from compression or trauma to a sensory nerve tends to improve, but the time varies and follow-up belongs to the professional who performed the procedure.
- Do not confuse with the temporal branch of the facial nerve: the zygomaticotemporal nerve is sensory and does not move the brow. Brow drooping or weakness after a procedure in the temple points to the temporal branch of the facial nerve, which is motor.
- Headache and migraine: the nerve is cited as one of the trigger points in migraine, and there are medical approaches aimed at it. That use is a matter for physicians and is not part of aesthetic facial harmonization.
How does it show up in the assessment?
- Prior sensation: record in the patient record any numbness or pain in the temple before the procedure.
- History of migraine: frequent headache in the temporal region belongs in the medical history.
- Temporal volume: temple hollowing, the subject of temple filler, changes the relationship of the layers to the skin.
Also called: zygomaticotemporal branch, zygomatico-temporal nerve, temporal branch of the zygomatic nerve.
Frequently asked questions
Are the zygomatic nerve and the zygomaticotemporal nerve the same thing?
No. The zygomatic nerve is the trunk that leaves the maxillary nerve and enters the orbit. It divides into two branches: the zygomaticotemporal, which goes to the temple, and the zygomaticofacial, which goes to the skin of the cheekbone.