Marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve: An anatomical study

Abstract

Smile is one of the most natural and important expressions of human emotion. Man uses his lips mainly to register his emotions. Thus, the slightest asymmetry or weakness around the lips and mouth may transform this pleasant expression into embarrassment and distortion. The circumoral musculature, the major part of which is supplied by the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve, is the main factor in this expression. Therefore, an injury to this nerve during a surgical procedure can distort the expression of the smile as well as other facial expressions. This nerve often gets injured by surgeons in operative procedures in the submandibular region, like excision of the submandibular gland due to lack of accurate knowledge of variations in the course, branches and relations. In the present study, 50 facial halves were dissected to study the origin, entire course, termination, branches, muscles supplied by it, its anastomoses with other branches of facial nerve on the same as well as on the opposite side and its relations with the surrounding structures. The marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve was found superficial to the facial artery and (anterior) facial vein in all the cases (100%). Thus the facial artery can be used as an important landmark in locating the marginal mandibular nerve during surgical procedures. Such a study can help in planning precise and accurate incisions and in preventing the unrecognized severance of this nerve during surgical procedures.

A Novel Approach to Submandibular Gland Ptosis: Creation of a Platysma Muscle and Hyoid Bone Cradle

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Utility of Follicular Unit Excision using Non-Scalp Donor Hair

“…However, complications that are unique if one is to harvest beard hair is damage to branches of the facial nerve and laceration of the external jugular vein. A detailed description of the anatomy of the facial nerve and jugular vein is beyond the scope of this chapter, but it is important to note that after the facial nerve exits the parotid fascia, it is more superficial and thus more at risk of inadvertent laceration to the buccal branches or the marginal mandibular nerve which courses approximately 1.0 cm inferior to the mandible 22 . Similarly, the external jugular vein can be easily visualized in the neck, especially when the patient's head is in the Rose position.…”