The sensory innervation of the face is mainly provided by the branches of the trigeminal nerve (CN V).

The trigeminal nerve divides into three major divisions:

Each of these divisions exits the cranial cavity to innervate a different part of the face.

The ophthalmic nerve (CN V1) exits the skull through the superior orbital fissure and enters the orbit. Branches of this nerve that innervate the face include:

Supraorbital and supratrochlear nerves - these branches leave the orbit superiorly and innervate the upper eyelid, forehead, and scalp;
Infratrochlear nerve - exits the orbit in the medial angle to innervate the medial half of the upper eyelid, the skin in the area of the medial angle of the eye, and the side of the nose;
Lacrimal nerve - exits the orbit in the lateral angle to innervate the lateral half of the upper eyelid and the skin in the area of the lateral angle;
External nasal nerve - supplies the anterior part of the nose.

The maxillary nerve (CN V2) exits the skull via the foramen rotundum. Its branches innervating the face include:

Zygomaticotemporal branch - exits the zygomatic bone and supplies a small area of the anterior temple above the zygomatic arch;
Zygomaticofacial branch - exits the zygomatic bone and supplies a small area of skin over the zygomatic bone;
Infraorbital nerve - exits the maxilla through the infraorbital foramen and immediately divides into multiple branches to supply the lower eyelid, cheek, side of the nose, and upper lip.

The mandibular nerve (CN V3) exits the skull via the foramen ovale. Branches innervating the face include the following:

Auriculotemporal nerve - enters the face just posterior to the temporomandibular joint, passes through the parotid gland, and ascends just anterior to the ear to supply the external acoustic meatus, the surface of the tympanic membrane (eardrum), and a large area of the temple;
Buccal nerve - travels on the surface of the buccinator muscle supplying the cheek;
Mental nerve - exits the mandible through the mental foramen and immediately divides into multiple branches to supply the skin and mucous membrane of the lower lip and skin of the chin.

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Sensory innervation of face