It provides sensory innervation to the skin and both surfaces of conjunctiva at the lateral portion of the upper eyelid.

[citation needed] At the superior portion of the lateral wall of the orbit, it also receives a secretomotor[2]: 495  communicating[2]: 402  parasympathetic[3] branch from the zygomaticotemporal nerve[2]: 495  for the lacrimal gland.

[2]: 402 It enters the orbit through the superior orbital fissure outside (lateral to[2]: 495 ) the common tendinous ring, coursing lateral to the frontal nerve and trochlear nerve (CN IV).

[3] Once inside the orbit, it travels anteriorly along (the superior portion of[2]: 495 ) the lateral wall of the orbit upon the superior margin of the lateral rectus muscle;[3][2]: 402  here, it receives a secretomotor branch for the lacrimal gland from the zygomaticotemporal nerve.

[citation needed] It pierces the orbital septum to reach its terminal target tissues.