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Updated: Jun 28, 2026
10:11
Facial Nerve Axotomy in Mice: A Model to Study Motoneuron Response to Injury
Published on: February 23, 2015
Safely navigating around the facial nerve in three dimensions
John Q Owsley1, Cori A Agarwal
1Division of Plastic Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA. owsley@drjohnowsley.com
Clinics in Plastic Surgery
|October 17, 2008
Summary
This study clarifies the precise anatomical locations of facial nerve branches and their fascial planes. It provides surgeons with crucial information for protecting these nerves during dissections near the superficial musculoaponeurotic system-platysma plane.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Surgical Anatomy
- Facial Nerve Anatomy
Background:
- Existing literature on facial nerve anatomy often lacks detail on fascial planes.
- Information regarding nerve transitions between fascial planes is frequently contradictory.
- Surgical protection strategies require precise anatomical understanding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To delineate the three-dimensional anatomical locations of facial nerve branches.
- To describe the fascial planes relevant to facial nerve dissection.
- To provide guidance on protecting facial nerve branches during surgery.
Main Methods:
- Detailed anatomical description using precise surgical terminology.
- Focus on the transition of facial nerve branches between fascial planes.
- Analysis of dissections above and below the superficial musculoaponeurotic system-platysma plane.
Main Results:
- Clear identification of facial nerve branch locations within specific fascial planes.
- Detailed description of the fascial planes and their relationship to the nerves.
- Surgical strategies for nerve protection are elucidated.
Conclusions:
- Accurate understanding of facial nerve fascial planes is critical for surgical safety.
- This study provides a reliable anatomical guide for surgeons.
- Enhanced protection of facial nerve branches can be achieved through precise dissection techniques.
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