Orbital nerve supply

There are numerous nerves of the orbit with have varying functions. There are best described divided into groups based on how they enter the orbit.

Optic canal

• optic nerve (CN II): special sensory nerve of the globe (vision)

Superior orbital fissure

• superior division of the oculomotor nerve (CN IIIs): motor nerve to the superior rectus and levator palpebrae superioris muscles
• inferior division of the oculomotor nerve (CN IIIi): motor nerve to the medial rectus, inferior rectus and inferior oblique muscles. It also carries parasympathetic fibers to the ciliary ganglion.
• trochlear nerve (CN IV): motor nerve to the superior oblique muscle
• abducens nerve (CN VI): motor nerve to the lateral rectus muscle
• frontal nerve of the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve:
• nasociliary nerve of the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve:
  • short ciliary nerves: sensory nerves to the globe and conjunctiva
  • long ciliary nerves: sensory nerves to the globe
  • small communicating branch to the ciliary ganglion: sensory nerves to the globe
  • infratrochlear nerve: sensory nerve to the face
  • posterior ethmoidal nerve: sensory nerve to the sphenoid and posterior ethmoidal sinuses
  • anterior ethmoidal nerve: sensory nerve of the anterior and middle ethmoidal sinuses, dura and nasal cavity
• lacrimal nerve of the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve: sensory nerve to the face

Inferior orbital fissure

• infra-orbital nerve of the maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve: sensory nerve to the face and maxillary teeth
• zygomatic nerve of the maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve: sensory nerve to the face
• small ganglionic branches to the pterygopalatine ganglion:

The ciliary ganglion is located in the intraconal space of the posterior orbit between the optic nerve and the lateral rectus muscle.