Pain pathway from ethmoid sinus – ENT MCQ

Pain pathway from ethmoid sinus is via?

A. Nasociliary nerve
B. Lacrimal nerve
C. Lateral pterygoid nerve
D. Frontal nerve

Correct answer : A. Nasociliary nerve

• Pain sensation from the ethmoid sinus is transmitted by the anterior and posterior ethmoidal branches of the nasociliary nerve, which in turn is a branch of the trigeminal nerve (ophthalmic division).
• The other branches of the nasociliary nerve are:
  • Long ciliary nerves
  • Infratrochlear nerve
  • Communicating branch to the ciliary ganglion (long root of the ciliary ganglion)
• Frontal nerve carries sensations from the forehead, frontal sinus mucosa, and the upper eyelid. It has 2 branches – supraorbital nerve and supratrochlear nerve.
• Lacrimal nerve innervates the lacrimal gland, conjunctiva, and the lateral upper eyelids.
• Lateral pterygoid nerve supplies the lateral pterygoid muscle.