Which nerve provides sensory innervation to the periosteum of the orbit?

Which nerve provides sensory innervation to the periosteum of the orbit?

• A. Orbital branch
• B. Pharyngeal branch
• C. Nasopalatine nerve
• D. Greater palatine nerve

Answer: (A)

The periosteum of the orbit is supplied by small orbital branches of the nasociliary nerve, a branch of the ophthalmic division (V1) of the trigeminal nerve. These fibers run to the orbital periosteum and provide its sensory input. The other nerves listed—pharyngeal, nasopalatine, and greater palatine—supply the pharynx or the hard palate regions and do not innervate the orbital periosteum. So, the orbital branch best explains sensory innervation to the orbital periosteum.

The periosteum of the orbit is supplied by small orbital branches of the nasociliary nerve, a branch of the ophthalmic division (V1) of the trigeminal nerve. These fibers run to the orbital periosteum and provide its sensory input. The other nerves listed—pharyngeal, nasopalatine, and greater palatine—supply the pharynx or the hard palate regions and do not innervate the orbital periosteum. So, the orbital branch best explains sensory innervation to the orbital periosteum.