World Journal of
Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences

UNIQUE ANATOMICAL VARIATIONS IN THE BUCCAL BRANCH OF FACIAL NERVE ON BOTH SIDES OF A MALE CADAVER

Dr. Kusum Gandhi, Dr. Nisha Yadav* and Yashvardhan Godaria

ABSTRACT

The pattern of ramification of the facial nerve is an example of highly complex neural anatomy. Usually the extracranial facial nerve divides into temporofacial and cervicofacial divisions within the substance of parotid gland. The temporofacial division gives two terminal branches as temporal and zygomatic and the cervicofacial divides into buccal, marginal mandibular and cervical branches to regulate the constrictor and dilator muscles over the face. Anatomical variations in branching pattern of facial nerve increases the risk of injury during surgery on face. We report unique variations in the buccal branch of the facial nerve in a male cadaver on right and left side of face. Clinicians should have precise knowledge of these anatomical variations in facial nerve to avoid injury and complications during parotid surgery, facial lift surgery, rhytidectomy and cross face nerve grafts.

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