Relationship of the temporofrontal rami of the facial nerve to the fascial layers of the temporal region.
BACKGROUND
Historically, dissection of the temporoparietal fascia immediately above the zygomatic arch has been avoided due to the risk of transection of the temporofrontal rami of the facial nerve.


METHODS
A total of 8 fresh cadaveric hemi-faces have been dissected to investigate the relationship of the temporofrontal rami of the facial nerve to the fascial layers in the temporal region.


RESULTS
The relationship of the temporofrontal rami of the facial nerve to the fascial layers in the temporal region is variable, with some deep rami coursing below the parotid-temporal fascia and other superficial rami reaching the temporoparietal fascia before entering the lateral edge of the orbicularis oculi.


CONCLUSIONS
Dissection of the temporoparietal fascia immediately above the zygomatic arch may place superficial branches of the temporofrontal rami at risk.
Taylor Laboratory, The University of Melbourne, 32 York Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3162, Australia. jxob@optusnet.com.au
Justin X
JX
O'Brien
Mark W
MW
Ashton
D002102:Cadaver; D004210:Dissection / Q000379:methods; D005154:Facial Nerve / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D005205:Fascia / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D006801:Humans; D009915:Orbit / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D015361:Rhytidoplasty / Q000379:methods; D013701:Temporal Bone; D013703:Temporal Muscle; D015050:Zygoma / Q000033:anatomy & histology*