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Communication between the facial and auriculotemporal nerves
M Namking1, P Boonruangsri, W Woraputtaporn
1Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Thailand.
Journal of Anatomy
|October 1, 1994
Summary
The communicating auriculotemporal nerves (CATN) primarily connect to the upper facial nerve division. These nerves show varied patterns and may transmit proprioceptive signals from the orbicularis oculi muscle.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Neuroscience
- Surgical Anatomy
Background:
- The auriculotemporal nerve and facial nerve interact via communicating branches.
- Understanding these connections is crucial for facial nerve surgery and understanding facial muscle innervation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the anatomical variations of the communicating auriculotemporal nerves (CATN) in Thai cadavers.
- To classify the patterns of CATN connections to the facial nerve and their relationship with surrounding structures.
Main Methods:
- Dissection of 55 Thai cadaveric facial sides.
- Classification of CATN patterns based on the number of branches and their union sites with the facial nerve.
- Observation of the relationship between CATN branches and the superficial temporal artery.
Main Results:
- CATN exclusively joined the temporofacial (upper) division of the facial nerve.
- Identified four main patterns of CATN connection: single, double, triple, and multiple parallel branches.
- Observed variations in the site of union with the facial nerve and crossing patterns with the superficial temporal artery.
- CATN-innervated facial muscles included frontalis, orbicularis oculi, and zygomaticus major, with some branches directly innervating orbicularis oculi.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a detailed classification of CATN anatomical variations.
- Findings suggest CATN may play a role in proprioception from the orbicularis oculi muscle.
- This anatomical data is valuable for surgeons operating in the head and neck region.