Zygomatic Branch of the Lacrimal Artery, Lateral View

Description

Arising from the lacrimal artery within the orbit, the zygomatic branch courses laterally along the lateral orbital wall and enters the zygomatic bone to traverse the zygomatic canals toward the malar eminence and temporal fossa. In a right lateral head and neck view, the vessel sits deep to the orbicularis oculi and adjacent to the zygomatic bone, with the masseter occupying the posteroinferior cheek and the buccinator more anterior and medial. Superficial veins over the face and scalp provide a blue venous map against which the smaller arterial branch can be traced to its bony passageways. Bone landmarks anchor the trajectory. That bony course is the point. The zygomatic branch participates in anastomoses between the ophthalmic artery system and branches of the external carotid artery in the temporal and facial regions, a connection that matters in orbital trauma, midface fractures, and flap planning around the lateral canthus and zygomatic prominence. Surgeons working through lateral orbitotomy or zygomatic approaches must account for vessels and nerves traveling in close company through the zygomaticofacial and zygomaticotemporal canals, where bleeding can be brisk and access is constrained. Small vessel, real consequence. Use this artwork to support head and neck anatomy teaching on orbital vascular supply, to illustrate surgical anatomy in oculoplastic or craniofacial chapters, or to clarify arterial anastomoses in facial trauma and reconstruction content for journals and patient-specific education. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.