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Nervous Interconnection Between the Lesser Occipital and Auriculotemporal Nerves
Marc A Gebara1, Joe Iwanaga2, Aaron S Dumont2
1Anatomical Sciences, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, USA.
Cureus
|July 7, 2022
Summary
A rare neural interconnection between the auriculotemporal and lesser occipital nerves was observed, linking the trigeminal nerve and cervical plexus. This finding enhances understanding of head and neck anatomy for clinical applications.
Area of Science:
- Neuroanatomy
- Head and Neck Surgery
Background:
- The auriculotemporal nerve, a branch of the trigeminal nerve, innervates the temporal and retromandibular regions.
- The lesser occipital nerve, a cervical plexus branch, is associated with headaches and occipital neuralgia.
Observation:
- This case report details a unique unilateral neural interconnection.
- The connection was identified between the auriculotemporal nerve and the lesser occipital nerve.
Findings:
- Demonstrates a direct anatomical link between the trigeminal nerve system and the cervical plexus.
- Illustrates a previously undocumented neural pathway in the head and neck.
Implications:
- Improves understanding of neural pathways relevant to head and neck disorders.
- Provides valuable anatomical insight for facial reconstructive surgery and nerve transfer procedures.
- May aid in diagnosing and treating conditions like occipital neuralgia.
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