Nerves of the face and scalp

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The nerves responsible for the motor innervation of the face and scalp originate mainly from the facial nerve (CN VII). The facial nerve gives rise to the posterior auricular nerve, as well as five terminal groups of branches that innervate the muscles of facial expression.

The sensory innervation of the face and scalp occurs mainly through branches of the trigeminal nerve (CN V). This large cranial nerve divides into three branches, the ophthalmic (CN V1), maxillary (CN V2) and mandibular (CN V3) nerves. These are responsible for the sensory innervation of three distinct dermatomes on the face, with the mandibular nerve (CN V3) also carrying additional motor fibers to the muscles of mastication.

The skin of the scalp anterior to the ears is innervated by branches of the trigeminal nerve, while the posterior scalp is supplied by branches arising from the upper cervical spinal nerves. These include the great auricular and lesser occipital nerves (which arise from the cervical plexus), as well as the greater and third occipital nerves.

Watch the following video to learn more about these nerves, their numerous branches and the areas of the face and scalp they supply:

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Browse atlas

Take a closer look at each of the individual nerves in the atlas gallery below:

Summary