Which structures are supplied by the ophthalmic division?

Which structures are supplied by the ophthalmic division?

• A. Eyeball, Conjunctiva, Lacrimal Glands, Part of Mucous Membrane Of Nose & Paranasal Sinus, And Skin Of Forehead, Eyelids, And Nose
• B. Maxillary Teeth And Alveolar Bone
• C. Cheek And Lips
• D. Brain And Dura Mater

Answer: (A)

Think of the ophthalmic division as the sensory branch of the trigeminal nerve that serves the eye region. Its three main sub-branches—frontal, nasociliary, and lacrimal—provide sensation to the eyeball and its coverings, including the cornea and conjunctiva, and they carry fibers to the lacrimal gland for tear production. They also innervate parts of the nasal mucosa and paranasal sinuses, and supply the skin of the forehead, eyelids, and the bridge of the nose through their cutaneous branches. So, the structures listed—eyeball, conjunctiva, lacrimal glands, part of the nasal mucous membrane and paranasal sinuses, and the skin of the forehead, eyelids, and nose—are all innervated by these ophthalmic branches. In contrast, the maxillary division supplies the midface, including the maxillary teeth and alveolar bone; the cheek and lips are primarily served by that division, and brain or dura mater innervation is not the primary target of this division.

Think of the ophthalmic division as the sensory branch of the trigeminal nerve that serves the eye region. Its three main sub-branches—frontal, nasociliary, and lacrimal—provide sensation to the eyeball and its coverings, including the cornea and conjunctiva, and they carry fibers to the lacrimal gland for tear production. They also innervate parts of the nasal mucosa and paranasal sinuses, and supply the skin of the forehead, eyelids, and the bridge of the nose through their cutaneous branches.

So, the structures listed—eyeball, conjunctiva, lacrimal glands, part of the nasal mucous membrane and paranasal sinuses, and the skin of the forehead, eyelids, and nose—are all innervated by these ophthalmic branches. In contrast, the maxillary division supplies the midface, including the maxillary teeth and alveolar bone; the cheek and lips are primarily served by that division, and brain or dura mater innervation is not the primary target of this division.