Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026
10:11
Facial Nerve Axotomy in Mice: A Model to Study Motoneuron Response to Injury
Published on: February 23, 2015
[Blood supply to the facial nerve]
HNO
|April 1, 1994
Summary
Bell's palsy may stem from facial nerve ischemia. This study found over 90% of facial nerve blood vessels in rats were perfused, supporting the ischemia theory in facial paralysis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Biology
- Anatomy
Context:
- Bell's palsy etiology remains unclear, but ischemia of the facial nerve is a leading theory.
- Facial nerve blood supply has been described, but in vivo perfusion data is lacking.
- Understanding facial nerve perfusion is crucial for elucidating Bell's palsy pathophysiology.
Purpose:
- To experimentally evaluate the in vivo perfusion of blood vessels within the facial nerve.
- To quantify the percentage of perfused vessels in the facial nerve of Wistar rats.
Summary:
- Wistar rats received intravenous Evans blue dye injections to visualize perfused blood vessels.
- Facial nerve tissue was subsequently stained for myosin to identify all blood vessels.
- Over 90% of identified blood vessels in the facial nerve demonstrated Evans blue dye perfusion.
Impact:
- This study provides quantitative evidence supporting the role of ischemia in facial nerve dysfunction.
- Findings contribute to a better understanding of Bell's palsy's underlying mechanisms.
- Results may inform future research into therapeutic strategies targeting facial nerve blood supply.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:19Cranial Nerves: Overview and Anatomy
The cranial nerves are an important part of the complex network of nerves in the human body. These nerves emerge directly from the brain and are responsible for transmitting essential information between the brain and various parts of the head and neck. There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves, systematically numbered using Roman numerals from I to XII, beginning from the anterior and moving to the posterior of the brain. Each cranial nerve is uniquely identified by names that reflect its function...
01:14Cranial Nerves: Types Part I
Cranial nerves are responsible for transmitting motor and sensory information between the brain and various parts of the body. There are twelve pairs of cranial nerves, with the first six being essential in sensory perception, motor control, and autonomic functions related to the head and neck.
Olfactory Nerve (Cranial Nerve I)
The olfactory nerve, or cranial nerve I, is unique as it is purely sensory and dedicated to the sense of smell. This nerve originates in the olfactory epithelium of the...
Olfactory Nerve (Cranial Nerve I)
The olfactory nerve, or cranial nerve I, is unique as it is purely sensory and dedicated to the sense of smell. This nerve originates in the olfactory epithelium of the...
01:22Cranial Nerves: Types Part II
Cranial nerves are responsible for transmitting motor and sensory information between the brain and various parts of the body. There are twelve pairs of cranial nerves. While the first six innervate the head and neck, the latter six nerves innervate the head and neck, as well as organs and tissues in the thoracic and abdominal cavities. They facilitate communication, expression, and autonomic control within the human body.
Facial Nerve (Cranial Nerve VII)
Cranial nerve VII, or the facial nerve,...
Facial Nerve (Cranial Nerve VII)
Cranial nerve VII, or the facial nerve,...
01:10The Arch of Aorta
The coronary arteries, originating from the ascending aorta, bifurcate from two sinuses located within the ascending aorta. Positioned just above the aortic semilunar valve, these sinuses house essential aortic baroreceptors and chemoreceptors, crucial for maintaining cardiac function. The left coronary artery and the right coronary artery branch off from the left posterior and anterior aortic sinuses, respectively.
Encircling the heart, the coronary arteries form a ring-like structure before...
Encircling the heart, the coronary arteries form a ring-like structure before...
01:26Arteries of the Head and Neck
The human body's intricate network of arteries ensures that every organ system receives the necessary oxygen and nutrients for optimal function. The arterial network in the head and neck region is particularly complex, providing vital blood flow to the brain, eyes, and other critical structures. Prominent arteries in this region include the internal carotid arteries and the vertebral arteries.
The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the anterior portion of the cerebrum. They enter the...
The internal carotid arteries supply blood to the anterior portion of the cerebrum. They enter the...
01:19Veins of Head and Neck
The blood drainage from the head and neck is primarily managed by three pairs of veins: the external jugular, internal jugular, and vertebral veins. The external jugular veins drain superficial scalp and face structures, passing over the sternocleidomastoid muscles to empty into the subclavian veins.
On the other hand, the vertebral veins, unlike their arterial counterparts, are not primarily responsible for brain drainage. Instead, they drain the cervical vertebrae, spinal cord, and some small...
On the other hand, the vertebral veins, unlike their arterial counterparts, are not primarily responsible for brain drainage. Instead, they drain the cervical vertebrae, spinal cord, and some small...