Variability of the buccal branches of the facial nerve

Abstract

Abstract Background: The facial nerve disorders might be caused both by infectious and somatic pathogenic agents, as well as a result of failed ablation of the parotid gland tumors, failed plastic surgery, or other surgical interventions in facial region. Thus, for practitioners is very important to know the individual specific features of the buccal branches of the facial nerve. The purpose of our study was to review and evaluate the origin, number and connections of the buccal branches of the facial nerve. Material and methods: Twenty one adult cadaveric semiheads fixed in formaldehyde solution were dissected and morphological specific features and connections of the buccal branches of the facial nerve were marked out. Results: Predominantly, in 95% of cases, the trunk of the facial nerve divided into temporofacial branch (TFB) and cervicofacial branch (CFB). The number of buccal branches (BB) originating from the facial nerve varied from 2 to 6. In most cases each primary branch of the facial nerve divided into 2 BB, thus, in 16 cases TFB gave rise to 2 BB and in 12 cases from the CFB originated 2 BB. Conclusions: The buccal branches of the facial nerve are variable in their origin, number and connections. Most commonly were marked out 2 BB originated from each primary branch of the facial nerve. No more than 2 BB were pointed out to originate from the CFB. Four types of the buccal branches connections were emphasized.