Which nerve is a branch of CN V1 that supplies the cornea?

Which nerve is a branch of CN V1 that supplies the cornea?

• A. Nasociliary
• B. Frontal
• C. Lacrimal
• D. Zygomatic

Answer: (A)

Corneal sensation is carried by sensory fibers that travel with the nasociliary nerve, a branch of the ophthalmic division (CN V1) of the trigeminal nerve. The nasociliary gives the long ciliary nerves, which enter the cornea and transmit its sensory information. The other nerves listed do not reach the cornea: the frontal nerve (a V1 branch) supplies the forehead and upper eyelid skin, the lacrimal nerve supplies the lacrimal gland and lateral canthus, and the zygomatic nerve comes from V2 (the maxillary division) and does not innervate the cornea. Therefore, the nasociliary nerve is the source of corneal innervation.

Corneal sensation is carried by sensory fibers that travel with the nasociliary nerve, a branch of the ophthalmic division (CN V1) of the trigeminal nerve. The nasociliary gives the long ciliary nerves, which enter the cornea and transmit its sensory information. The other nerves listed do not reach the cornea: the frontal nerve (a V1 branch) supplies the forehead and upper eyelid skin, the lacrimal nerve supplies the lacrimal gland and lateral canthus, and the zygomatic nerve comes from V2 (the maxillary division) and does not innervate the cornea. Therefore, the nasociliary nerve is the source of corneal innervation.