Scalp - Innervation

Innervation

Innervation is the connection of nerves to the scalp: the sensory and motor nerves innervating the scalp. The scalp is innervated by the following:

• Supratrochlear nerve and the supraorbital nerve from the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve
• Greater occipital nerve (C2) posteriorly up to the vertex
• Lesser occipital nerve (C2) behind the ear
• Zygomaticotemporal nerve from the maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve supplying the hairless temple
• Auriculotemporal nerve from the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve

The innervation of scalp can be remembered using the mnemonic, "Z-GLASS" for, Zygomaticotemporal nerve, Greater occipital nerve, Lesser occipital nerve, Auriculotemporal nerve, Supratrochlear nerve and Supraorbital nerve.