Anatomy of the terminal nerves in the upper eyelid

Anatomic dissections on human cadaver heads were performed to determine the anatomy of the terminal nerves in the upper eyelid. Vertically oriented nerves, which are commonly identified in a preseptal location in the upper eyelid, were determined to be sensory nerves, most commonly originating from the supraorbital nerve (V1). Facial nerve (VII) dissections were also performed, with specific attention paid to the temporal branch. The facial nerve innervates the orbicularis muscle on its deep surface, both at the most temporal aspect of the muscle as well as along the supraorbital rim. No motor fibers could be traced into the upper eyelid and no anastomosis was noted between the temporal branch of the facial nerve (VII) and the supraorbital nerve (V1).