[Arterial anatomy of the facial nerve at the stylo-mastoid foramen].
OBJECTIVE
To provide specific informations about the arterial related anatomy of the trunk of the facial nerve from the stylomastoid foramen to its bifurcation.


METHODS
Dissection of 30 facial nerves in fresh cadavers after arterial casting with red-colored latex.


RESULTS
A great anatomic variability does exist. The facial nerve is most often in relation to the stylomastoid artery which arises from the posterior auricular artery. The stylomastoid artery originates sometimes from the occipital artery or from the external carotid artery. In 19 cases of 30 the stylomastoid artery passes medially to the nerve, and 11 cases laterally.


CONCLUSIONS
During parotid surgery, the main trunk of the facial nerve may be difficult to identify because of a large-caliber stylomastoid artery which can mask it. Therefore it is preferable to dissect this artery with caution, remaining at distance from the dangerous.
Moreau
S
S
Laboratoire d'Anatomie, CHRU Caen, Avenue de la Côte de Nacre, 14033 Caen Cedex, France.
Salame
E
E
Delmas
P
P
D001158:Arteries; D002102:Cadaver; D005154:Facial Nerve / Q000098:blood supply*; D006801:Humans; D008416:Mastoid / Q000033:anatomy & histology
Les rapports artériels du nerf facial à son émergence du foramen stylo-mastoïdien.