NERVUS ZYGOMATICUS Meaning and
Definition
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The term "nervus zygomaticus" refers to one of the facial nerves, specifically the zygomatic nerve. It is a branch of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) that is responsible for innervating certain muscles in the face. More specifically, the nervus zygomaticus is involved in the control and movement of the zygomaticus major and zygomaticus minor muscles.
The zygomatic nerve originates in the facial nerve's motor nucleus located in the brainstem and travels through the facial canal within the skull. It then exits through the stylomastoid foramen and eventually branches off into two main divisions, the zygomaticotemporal and the zygomaticofacial nerves.
The nervus zygomaticus innervates the zygomaticus major muscle, which extends from the zygomatic bone (cheekbone) to the corner of the mouth. This muscle plays a key role in facial expressions, particularly in the smiling motion. Additionally, the nervus zygomaticus also innervates the zygomaticus minor muscle, a smaller muscle that is involved in elevating the upper lip.
Any disruption or damage to the nervus zygomaticus can potentially result in facial muscle weakness or paralysis, impacting the affected individual's ability to control various facial expressions, particularly those related to smiling or lifting the upper lip.
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Zygomatic nerve, orbital or temporomalar nerve, a branch of the maxillary in the inferior orbital fissure through which it passes and emerges on the face through the zygomatico-orbital foramen; here it divides into two branches supplying the skin of the temple and over the malar bone.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for NERVUS ZYGOMATICUS
Etymology of NERVUS ZYGOMATICUS
The word "nervus zygomaticus" has Latin origins.
The term "nervus" in Latin means "nerve", which is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*sneur" meaning "to twist". This root also gave rise to the Latin word "nervus", as well as to the English word "nerve".
The word "zygomaticus" comes from the Latin word "zygoma", which refers to the cheekbone or the arch of the cheekbone. The suffix "-icus" in Latin signifies "of, pertaining to". Therefore, "zygomaticus" can be translated as "pertaining to the zygoma or the cheekbone".
When combined, "nervus zygomaticus" translates to "nerve of the zygoma" or "nerve pertaining to the cheekbone".
