Video - Nerves and vessels of the face and scalp

The face and the scalp are supplied by several nerves and blood vessels that serve various functions.

Major nerves of the face and scalp include: The trigeminal nerve: a mixed nerve that supplies the muscles of the face, the skin of the face and scalp, and the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, and sinuses. It is the main nerve responsible for facial sensation. The facial nerve: a mixed nerve that supplies the muscles of facial expression and the parotids glands, and the lacrimal glands (tear glands). It is also involved in the sense of taste and the production of tears and saliva. The occipital nerves: innervate the scalp and the back of the neck.

Major vessels of the face and scalp include: The external carotid artery supplies blood to the face and scalp. It gives rise to several branches, including the superficial temporal artery, the maxillary artery, and the facial artery. The internal carotid artery supplies blood to the brain and the eyes. The jugular vein drains blood from the head and neck back to the heart. Lymph from the face drains into the superficial lymph nodes, mainly the submental, the submandibular, and the parotid lymph nodes.