Marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve: An anatomical study

Publication date: June 2014 Source:Alexandria Journal of Medicine, Volume 50, Issue 2 Author(s): Ayman Ahmad Khanfour , El Sayed Aly Mohamed Metwally Introduction Knowledge of the course and anatomical relations of the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve (MMBFN) in the head and neck is important to avoid its injury during surgery. Aim The aim of this work was to study the course and relations of the (MMBFN) to the lower border of the mandible and parotid gland. Material and methods The material of this work included thirty halves of formalin preserved head and neck specimens obtained from the Dissecting Room of Anatomy Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University. Results Results showed that the (MMBFN) arises as a single branch, two branches, and three branches in 36.7%, 43.3% and 20% of specimens, respectively. In 83.3% of cases, one of the main or secondary branches of the marginal mandibular nerve crosses superficial (lateral) to the facial vessels. There are communications either between the main or the secondary branches of the marginal mandibular nerve itself in 53.6% of specimens and with the buccal branch of the facial nerve in 40%, also with the anterior branch of the great auricular nerve in 3.3%, and with the transverse cervical nerve in 3.3% of specimens. The relationship of the nerve to the lower border of the mandible at a point midway between the angle of the mandible and symphysis menti is variable; it is either totally above ...
Source: Alexandria Journal of Medicine - Category: Journals (General) Source Type: research