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Innervation of upper orbicularis oris muscle
Kun Hwang1, Sheng Jin, Se Ho Hwang
1Department of Plastic Surgery and Center for Advanced Medical Education by BK21 Project, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea. jokerhg@inha.ac.kr
The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery
|November 23, 2006
Summary
This study details the nerve supply to the upper orbicularis oris muscle in Korean adults. Findings reveal specific nerve branch counts and ramification points, aiding understanding of upper lip function and wrinkles.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Neuroscience
- Facial Musculature
Background:
- The orbicularis oris muscle is crucial for facial expressions and speech.
- Understanding its precise innervation is vital for clinical applications in plastic surgery and neurology.
- Previous studies have not fully detailed the specific nerve branching patterns of the upper orbicularis oris.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the detailed innervation pattern of the upper orbicularis oris muscle.
- To quantify the number of nerve branches supplying the pars peripheralis and pars marginalis.
- To determine the anatomical location of the buccal branch's ramifying points.
Main Methods:
- Dissection of 17 Korean adult hemifaces.
- Counting nerve branches crossing and entering specific muscle regions (pars peripheralis and pars marginalis).
- Measuring the location of the buccal branch's ramifying points relative to anatomical landmarks.
Main Results:
- Approximately 4 nerve branches (3.71 ± 1.05) cross the outer margin of the pars peripheralis.
- Around 4.65 ± 1.46 nerve branches cross the outer margin of the pars marginalis.
- An average of 4.06 ± 0.83 nerve branches enter the pars marginalis.
- Most ramifying points (82%) are located within a 5 mm radius circle, centered 12 mm lateral and 26 mm superior to the mouth corner.
Conclusions:
- Detailed anatomical knowledge of upper orbicularis oris innervation is established.
- Findings contribute to understanding upper lip wrinkles and muscle function.
- This data can inform surgical procedures and treatments affecting facial expression.
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