corneal reflex(anatomy)
Last reviewed 01/2018
The afferent limb of the corneal reflex travels in the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve from light touch receptors in the conjunctiva and cornea. Back through the superior orbital fissure and trigeminal ganglion, the nerve fibres then pass to the main sensory nucleus of the trigeminal nerve.
From here, the efferent pathway passes via interneurones to the motor nuclei of the facial nerve. The facial nerve passes via the stylomastoid foramen to supply the orbicularis oculi muscle, thus causing closure of the eyelids on triggering of the reflex.