Topics

Topic

design image
Zygomatic nerve

The zygomatic nerve is a sensory branch of the maxillary nerve (CN V2), which is itself a division of the trigeminal nerve. It courses through the orbit and divides into two main branches, supplying sensation to the skin over the zygomatic and temporal regions. The zygomatic nerve plays a critical role in facial sensation and may be visualized on advanced imaging modalities such as MRI and CT, especially in the context of trauma, tumors, or perineural spread of malignancy.

Synonyms

  • Zygomatic branch of maxillary nerve

  • Zygomaticotemporal nerve

  • Zygomaticofacial nerve

  • Zygomatic nerve branch

  • Zygomatic division of CN V2

Function

  • Sensory innervation to the skin overlying the prominence of the cheek (zygomaticofacial branch)

  • Sensory supply to the skin of the temporal region (zygomaticotemporal branch)

  • Carries parasympathetic fibers to the lacrimal gland (communicating branch to the lacrimal nerve)

MRI Appearance

  • T1-Weighted Images:

    • The zygomatic nerve typically appears as a small, low-signal intensity linear or dot-like structure, isointense to other cranial nerves, best appreciated in thin-section images.

  • T2-Weighted Images:

    • The nerve appears slightly hyperintense or isointense compared to muscle, but is often difficult to distinguish from surrounding soft tissue unless pathological enhancement or thickening is present.

  • STIR (Short Tau Inversion Recovery):

    • The nerve may appear as a small linear structure of intermediate to low signal intensity. Edema or inflammation may cause mild hyperintensity in the surrounding perineural fat.

CT Appearance

  • Non-Contrast CT:

    • The zygomatic nerve itself is usually not directly visualized due to its small size, but its canaliculi (zygomaticotemporal and zygomaticofacial foramina) can be identified as small bony canals within the zygomatic bone.

MRI images

Zygomatic nerve mri image