Which branch of V1 innervates the cornea?

Prepare for the NBEO Ocular Anatomy Posterior Segment and Cranial Nerves Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which branch of V1 innervates the cornea?

Explanation:
Corneal sensation comes from the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve, specifically via the nasociliary branch. Long ciliary nerves that originate from the nasociliary travel forward to the cornea, supplying its dense sensory innervation and forming the afferent limb of the corneal reflex. Other branches of V1—such as the frontal nerve, which serves the forehead and upper eyelid, and the lacrimal nerve, which supplies the lacrimal gland and lateral eyelid—do not reach the cornea. The infratrochlear nerve, though a branch in the same region, supplies the medial canthus and adjacent skin, not the cornea. Therefore, the nasociliary nerve is the source of corneal innervation.

Corneal sensation comes from the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve, specifically via the nasociliary branch. Long ciliary nerves that originate from the nasociliary travel forward to the cornea, supplying its dense sensory innervation and forming the afferent limb of the corneal reflex. Other branches of V1—such as the frontal nerve, which serves the forehead and upper eyelid, and the lacrimal nerve, which supplies the lacrimal gland and lateral eyelid—do not reach the cornea. The infratrochlear nerve, though a branch in the same region, supplies the medial canthus and adjacent skin, not the cornea. Therefore, the nasociliary nerve is the source of corneal innervation.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy