The zygomatic branches of the facial nerve (CN VII) emerge from the anterior border of the parotid gland and cross the zygomatic bone to reach the lower and lateral orbicularis oculi. They are the main motor supply for forceful eye closure and contribute to elevation of the upper lip in smiling. They interconnect with the buccal branches, giving this part of the facial nerve more redundancy than the temporal or marginal mandibular branches.
| Origin | Temporofacial division of the facial nerve (CN VII) within the parotid gland |
|---|---|
| Course | Leaves the anterior border of the parotid gland as several branches that run forward across the zygomatic bone toward the lateral canthus and the lower eyelid, deep to the superficial fat of the cheek |
| Motor |
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Loss of zygomatic branch function prevents full eye closure, which exposes the cornea to drying, exposure keratopathy and ulceration, so eye protection is a priority in any facial palsy that involves these branches. The branches are at risk during facelift surgery, parotidectomy and open reduction of zygomatic fractures. Because of the many connections with the buccal branches, partial injuries often recover well. Healthy zygomatic branches are also a common donor motor source in facial reanimation surgery.
Damage during parotid, facelift or zygomatic fracture surgery weakens the lower orbicularis oculi, producing incomplete eye closure and a risk of exposure keratopathy until function recovers.
In Bell palsy and other facial nerve lesions, involvement of the zygomatic fibres leaves the eye unable to close fully, requiring lubricants, taping or eyelid weighting to protect the cornea.
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