title: The surgical anatomy of the mandibular distribution of the facial nerve.
abstract: There are many controversies about the course of the mandibular nerve in the submandibular region. In an attempt to resolve these and improve the safety of submandibular approaches a study was undertaken based on anatomical dissection and measurement of 110 facial halves. In over half the specimens the mandibular nerves ran below the mandible and a significant proportion continued below the mandible distal to the facial vessels. The nerves lay in a plane between the platysma and the investing fascia. These findings influence the placement and depth of incisions in the submandibular region and the margins of safety attainable.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D005154:Facial Nerve / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000601:surgery; D008340:Mandibular Nerve / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D013363:Submandibular Gland / Q000294:innervation* / Q000601:surgery