👁 Orbit & Sensory Nerves around the Eye – Explained

👁 Orbit & Sensory Nerves around the Eye – Explained

The orbit not only protects the eye but also acts as a pathway
for visual, sensory, motor, and autonomic nerves, as well as blood vessels.

This post summarizes the three key foramina and the nerves responsible for periocular sensation.

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💡 Key Orbital Passages & Contents

ForamenContentsFunction

Optic foramen	Optic nerve, ophthalmic artery, sympathetic n.	Vision & autonomic control
Superior orbital fissure	CN 3, 4, 6, CN 5-1, superior ophthalmic vein	Eye movement & upper eyelid sensation
Inferior orbital fissure	CN 5-2 (Maxillary), sympathetic n., infraorbital vessels	Lower eyelid sensation & vascular supply

 

 

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🧠 Sensory Distribution: CN V1 (Ophthalmic n.)

BranchSensory Area

Lacrimal n.	Lateral upper eyelid
Supraorbital n.	Central upper eyelid
Supratrochlear n.	Medial upper eyelid
Nasociliary n. → Long ciliary n.	Cornea
Nasociliary n. → Infratrochlear n.	Nasal side
Nasociliary n. → Ethmoidal n.	Nasal cavity

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🧠 Sensory Distribution: CN V2 (Maxillary n.)

BranchAreaNotes

Infraorbital n.

Lower eyelid

Travels through inferior orbital fissure → groove → foramen

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✅ Summary

• CN V1 supplies most upper & nasal sensory zones
• CN V2 uniquely supplies lower eyelid sensation
• Knowing these paths is essential for regional anesthesia & surgery

Next: Key surgical implications of orbital fractures