title: Proposed classification of auriculotemporal nerve, based on the root system.
abstract: The topography of the auriculotemporal nerve (ATN) root system is the main criterion of this nerve classification. Previous publications indicate that ATN may have between one and five roots. Most common is a one- or two-root variant of the nerve structure. The problem of many publications is the inconsistency of nomenclature which concerns the terms "roots", "connecting branches", or "branches" that are used to identify the same structures. This study was performed on 80 specimens (40 adults and 40 fetuses) to propose a classification based on: (i) the number of roots, (ii) way of root division, and (iii) configuration of interradicular fibers that form the ATN trunk. This new classification is a remedy for inconsistency of nomenclature of ATN in the infratemporal fossa. This classification system has proven beneficial when organizing all ATN variants described in previous studies and could become a helpful tool for surgeons and dentists. Examination of ATN from the infratemporal fossa of fetuses (the youngest was at 18 weeks gestational age) showed that, at that stage, the nerve is fully developed.
authors: Department of Descriptive and Clinical Anatomy, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
authors: Iulian
authors: I
authors: Komarnitki
authors: Department of Biological Anthropology, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University, Warsaw, Poland.
authors: Jacek
authors: J
authors: Tomczyk
authors: Department of Descriptive and Clinical Anatomy, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
authors: Bogdan
authors: B
authors: Ciszek
authors: Department of Environmental Hazard Prevention and Allergology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
authors: Marta
authors: M
authors: Zalewska
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002102:Cadaver; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008340:Mandibular Nerve / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000254:growth & development; D008875:Middle Aged; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000254:growth & development