The infraorbital nerve is a facial nerve. It supplies the skin between the eye and upper lip and the upper teeth. It is part of the v cranial nerve.
What is the infraorbital nerve?
The infraorbital nerve is a nerve that supplies large areas of the human face. It belongs as one of the terminal branches to the V cranial nerve, the trigeminal nerve. With all its branches, the trigeminal nerve takes over the supply of the mucous membrane, the entire face and the masticatory muscles. Like the infraorbital nerve, it is part of the central nervous system. The infraorbital nerve supplies the skin of the cheek between the lower eyelid of the eye and the upper lip. For this reason, it is also called the infraorbital nerve. Furthermore, it innervates the teeth of the human upper jaw. In addition, the is responsible for the supply of the maxillary sinus. The infraorbital nerve is a well-branched nerve. With its branches, it supplies the face of the upper and anterior region. It is one of the few nerves that can be easily palpated on the facial skin. This is possible at its exit point the infraorbital foramen. This is the under-eye hole in humans. If the nerve is inflamed, the physician applies pressure at this site. This leads to an intense pain experience and making the diagnosis.
Anatomy and structure
The trigeminal nerve runs as the V cranial nerve across the petrous pyramid to the dura mater. This is the meninges of the brain. It then forms the trigeminal ganglion and then bifurcates into several branches. There are three and these are called the ophthalmic nerve, maxillary nerve and the mandibular nerve. As the second main branch, the maxillary nerve travels along the cavernous sinus after the ganglion. It passes through the base of the skull at the foramen rotundum and reappears in the The maxillary nerve exits below the base of the skull and appears in the pterygopalatine fossa. There, the maxillary nerve divides into additional branches. These are the terminal branches rami ganglionares, the zygomatic nerve, and the infraorbital nerve. The infraorbital nerve enters the orbit through the inferior orbital fissure. It then runs anteriorly and enters the infraorbital canal. This is located below the eye. The infraorbital nerve continues toward the cheek to the jaw. It enters the infraorbital foramen and branches into the ramus alveolaris superior anterior, medius, and posterior.
Function and Tasks
The function of the infraorbital nerve is to supply the facial skin of humans. In particular, the skin between the lower eyelid and the upper lip is innervated by this nerve on both sides of the face. It is thus responsible for the transmission of all stimuli received there, such as touch, pain or the sensation of temperature. In addition, the infraorbital nerve supplies the maxillary sinus. This is the maxillary sinus in humans. The maxillary sinus belongs to the paranasal sinuses. The paranasal sinuses are associated with the respiratory system. They are filled with air and serve to regulate breathing. The maxillary sinus is a pyramid-shaped cavity in which the bone of the upper jaw is located. In addition, the maxillary sinus contains the teeth of the upper jaw. These are also supplied by infraorbital nerve. Teeth are a part of the masticatory apparatus. This has the main task of comminuting ingested food. This is an important preliminary work of digestion. In order to ensure this to a sufficient degree throughout life, the substance of the individual teeth must be preserved for as long as possible. In addition to regular cleaning of the teeth, this is done, among other things, via nerve branches of the maxillary nerve. The infraorbital nerve is one of them.
Diseases
Since the infraorbital nerve supplies large areas of the visual field, damage to the nerve usually results in hypersensitivity of the skin region or numbness on the cheek as well as the upper lip. Even small touches, such as applying lotion, can become very uncomfortable if there is a strong sensation of pain. In bad cases, attacks of pain are reported. Since the infraorbital nerve supplies the teeth of the upper jaw, an inflammation of a tooth root can lead to pain that is hardly bearable. Headaches are just as conceivable as migraines. The nerves in the face can regenerate themselves. Many injuries heal completely after a few days or weeks without further treatment.This usually makes surgical intervention unnecessary. It is helpful to spare the facial skin. In case of very severe damage to the nerve due to accidents or falls, the patient can be helped with a transplantation if surgery is necessary. This procedure is well established due to the success achieved. If the nerve is severely crushed or if nerve fibers have been stretched too much, this method is usually used. After the procedure, there is often complete regeneration of the entire nerve. It usually takes a few months before the patient is free of symptoms. The facial nerve can be affected by herpes. This is a viral disease characterized by painful itching and blistering. There are different forms of a herpes disease in the face. The upper lip, but also the mucous membranes in the mouth can be affected by the virus. The disease is considered uncomfortable because the pain limits food intake and impairs social expressions such as smiling.
