Which nerve exits the skull via the superior orbital fissure?

Which nerve exits the skull via the superior orbital fissure?

• A. Ophthalmic (V1)
• B. Maxillary (V2)
• C. Mandibular (V3)
• D. None of the above

Answer: (A)

The nerve exiting the skull through the superior orbital fissure is the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve. The superior orbital fissure transmits several structures, including III, IV, VI, and the V1 (ophthalmic) branch, which then travels to the orbit and provides sensory innervation to areas like the forehead, upper eyelid, and cornea. The other divisions of the trigeminal nerve take different routes: V2 (maxillary) goes through the foramen rotundum into the pterygopalatine fossa, and V3 (mandibular) goes through the foramen ovale. So the ophthalmic division exits via the superior orbital fissure.

The nerve exiting the skull through the superior orbital fissure is the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve. The superior orbital fissure transmits several structures, including III, IV, VI, and the V1 (ophthalmic) branch, which then travels to the orbit and provides sensory innervation to areas like the forehead, upper eyelid, and cornea. The other divisions of the trigeminal nerve take different routes: V2 (maxillary) goes through the foramen rotundum into the pterygopalatine fossa, and V3 (mandibular) goes through the foramen ovale. So the ophthalmic division exits via the superior orbital fissure.