zygomatic branches of the facial nerve

{{redirect|Zygomatic branch|the branch of the maxillary nerve|Zygomatic nerve}}

{{Infobox nerve

| Name = Zygomatic branches of the facial nerve

| Latin = rami zygomatici nervi facialis

| Image = Gray788.png

| Caption = Plan of the facial and intermediate nerves and their communication with other nerves (labeled at center bottom, fifth from bottom, as "Malar")

| Image2 = Ramizygomaticinervifacialis.png

| Caption2 = The nerves of the scalp, face, and side of neck (zygomatic branches labeled at center, near cheek)

| Innervates =

| BranchFrom = Facial nerve

| BranchTo =

}}

The zygomatic branches of the facial nerve (malar branches) are nerves of the face. They run across the zygomatic bone to the lateral angle of the orbit. Here, they supply the orbicularis oculi muscle, and join with filaments from the lacrimal nerve and the zygomaticofacial branch of the maxillary nerve (CN V₂).

Structure

The zygomatic branches of the facial nerve are branches of the facial nerve (CN VII).{{Cite book|last=Evans|first=T. William|chapter-url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780702060564000800|title=Maxillofacial Surgery|publisher=Churchill Livingstone|year=2017|isbn=978-0-7020-6056-4|edition=3rd|volume=2|pages=1195–1222|language=en|chapter=80 - Facelift|doi=10.1016/B978-0-7020-6056-4.00080-0}} They run across the zygomatic bone to the lateral angle of the orbit. This is deep to zygomaticus major muscle. They send fibres to orbicularis oculi muscle.

= Connections =

The zygomatic branches of the facial nerve have many nerve connections. Along their course, there may be connections with the buccal branches of the facial nerve.{{Cite book|last=Niamtu|first=Joe|chapter-url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780323393935000030|title=Cosmetic Facial Surgery|publisher=Elsevier|year=2018|isbn=978-0-323-39393-5|edition=2nd|pages=32–187|language=en|chapter=3 - Facelift Surgery (Cervicofacial Rhytidectomy)|doi=10.1016/B978-0-323-39393-5.00003-0}} They join with filaments from the lacrimal nerve and the zygomaticofacial nerve from the maxillary nerve (CN V₂).{{Cite book|last1=Fillmore|first1=Erin P.|chapter-url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780124103900000238|title=Nerves and Nerve Injuries|last2=Seifert|first2=Mark F.|publisher=Academic Press|year=2015|isbn=978-0-12-410390-0|volume=1: History, Embryology, Anatomy, Imaging, and Diagnostics|pages=319–350|language=en|chapter=22 - Anatomy of the Trigeminal Nerve|doi=10.1016/B978-0-12-410390-0.00023-8}} They also join with the inferior palpebral nerve and the superior labial nerve, both from the infraorbital nerve.

Function

The zygomatic branches of the facial nerve supply part of the orbicularis oculi muscle. This is used to close the eyelid.

Clinical significance

= Testing =

To test the zygomatic branches of the facial nerve, a patient is asked to close their eyes tightly.{{Citation needed|date=February 2022}} This uses orbicularis oculi muscle. The zygomatic branches of the facial nerve may be recorded and stimulated with an electrode.{{Cite book|last=Kennelly|first=Kathleen D.|chapter-url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780444641427000588|title=Handbook of Clinical Neurology|publisher=Elsevier|year=2019|isbn=978-0-444-64142-7|volume=161|pages=327–342|language=en|chapter=21 - Clinical neurophysiology of cranial nerve disorders|doi=10.1016/B978-0-444-64142-7.00058-8|pmid=31307611 |s2cid=196813653 |issn=0072-9752}}

= Surgical damage =

Rarely, the zygomatic branches of the facial nerve may be damaged during surgery on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).{{Cite book|last1=McCain|first1=Joseph P.|chapter-url=https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9781416025276000062|title=Current Therapy In Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery|last2=Kim|first2=King|publisher=Saunders|year=2012|isbn=978-1-4160-2527-6|pages=31–62|language=en|chapter=6 - Endoscopic Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery|doi=10.1016/B978-1-4160-2527-6.00006-2}}