IV.C.3 Head: VNS of the Orbit Page 4 of 5

Nervous suppy

The nervous supply to the orbit is not only motor. This nervous supply does control other sensory and secretomotor functions.

We mentioned, but did not deal with this topic when we studied cranial nerves III, V (opthalmic branch V1) and VII.

The sensory nerve supply to the lacrimal gland is via ophthalmic branch of V1.

The parasympathetic control occurs through two ganglion:

The lacrimal gland receives it's parasymathetic conrol via the pterygopalatin ganlion. This is secretomotor innervation via the post-gangionic neurons in the pterygopalatine ganglion . The pre-ganglionic parasympathetic nerons of the facial nerve (VII) via the greater petrosal nerve deliver the innervation to the pterygopalatine ganglion.

The ciliary muscle of the eye and the sphincter pupillae muscle receive their control via the ciliary ganglion.