It supplies the lacrimal gland, two rectus muscles of the eye, the eyelids, and the conjunctiva.

It can rarely arise before the ophthalmic artery enters the optic canal.

[6] Recurrent meningeal branch A recurrent meningeal branch may sometimes arise from the lacrimal artery to pass backwards, exiting the orbit through the lateral part of the superior orbital fissure to reach the dura mater.

[3] Zygomatic branches The lacrimal artery also gives off one or two zygomatic branches: one passes through the zygomatico-temporal foramen to reach the temporal fossa, and anastomoses with the deep temporal arteries; another appears on the cheek through the zygomatico-facial foramen, and anastomoses with the transverse facial artery.

[6] Two terminal branches supplying the eyelids are of considerable size and are termed the lateral palpebral arteries.