[TA] a branch of the ophthalmic nerve [CN V1] supplying sensory fibers to the lateral part of the upper eyelid, conjunctiva, and lacrimal gland. The secretomotor fibers of the latter were conveyed to the lacrimal nerve by the communicating branch of the zygomatic nerve (a branch of the maxillary nerve [CN V2]). SYN: nervus lacrimalis [TA].
