Axonal numbers in the greater auricular nerve: is there enough to go round?
OBJECTIVE
Does the greater auricular nerve (GAN) have an appropriate number of myelinated axons for use as an interposition graft for the facial nerve?


BACKGROUND
Previous studies have suggested that the GAN has a suitable cross-sectional and fascicular area for use as an interposition graft for the facial nerve. In this study, counts of myelinated axons in the GAN have been undertaken to assess, at a microscopic level, its suitability as such a graft.


METHODS
Six GANs were examined, and the total myelinated axonal counts and axonal density per square millimeter of fascicular area were calculated. These counts were compared with previous studies on the facial nerve.


RESULTS
Axonal density per square millimeter was comparable between greater auricular and facial nerves. However, there were significantly lower numbers of myelinated axons in the GAN compared with the published facial nerve data.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings support the concept of "doubling over" the GAN to act as an appropriate interpositional facial nerve graft when there is a size mismatch between the two.
Sim
Richard J
RJ
Department of Otolaryngology, Dorset County Hospital, Dorchester, UK. Richard.Sim@dchft.nhs.uk
Leecy
Tamazin
T
Buckland
Michael E
ME
Fagan
Paul A
PA
D001369:Axons / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D054644:Ear Auricle / Q000294:innervation*; D005154:Facial Nerve / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D009413:Nerve Fibers, Myelinated / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D016707:Tissue Fixation; D014048:Tolonium Chloride
D014048:Tolonium Chloride