Anterior Ethmoidal Nerve — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

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ModerateAnatomy (Head & Neck)Anterior Ethmoidal NerveMFDS Part 1

During an endoscopic procedure, a sensory nerve accompanying the anterior ethmoidal artery through the anterior ethmoidal foramen is identified. Through which cranial nerve division do its afferent fibres return?

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Correct answer: A — Trigeminal nerve, ophthalmic division (V1)

The correct answer is A. The anterior ethmoidal nerve arises from the nasociliary nerve, a branch of the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve (V1). It accompanies the anterior ethmoidal artery, supplies the anterior ethmoidal air cells and anterior-superior nasal cavity, and continues as internal and external nasal branches; the external nasal branch supplies skin near the tip of the nose. V2 supplies much of the posterior and inferior nasal cavity through branches associated with the pterygopalatine ganglion, but does not give rise to the anterior ethmoidal nerve. V3 principally supplies the mandibular region and muscles of mastication. The facial nerve carries motor and parasympathetic fibres, while the glossopharyngeal nerve supplies the posterior tongue and pharynx; neither is the sensory origin of this nerve.

Reference: Chung S, Peters JM, Detyniecki K, et al. The nose has it: Opportunities and challenges for intranasal drug administration for neurologic conditions including seizure clusters. Epilepsy & Behavior Reports. 2023;21:100581. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36636458/