title: Anomalous Bilateral Communication between the Inferior Alveolar Nerve and the Auriculotemporal Nerve: A Rare Variation.
abstract: Branches of the posterior division of the mandibular nerve show various anomalous communications in the infratemporal region. Understanding such communication has relevance in the management of neuropathies and surgical procedures in this region. This study was conducted to explore such communicating branches, anticipating that they might provide information of clinical significance. A total of 15 human cadavers (30 infratemporal regions) were studied to explore such communicating branches in infratemporal region. The branches of the posterior division of the mandibular nerve were carefully dissected, and these branches were studied and analysed for any abnormal course. In one case, a rare type of bilateral communication between the auriculotemporal nerve and the inferior alveolar nerve, forming a loop with no association with any structure, was observed. It is possible that such communicating branches may be associated with delayed regression of the first arch vessels. The clinical implications of these anomalous communications require further detailed study for improved management of neuropathies and surgical procedures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy, Era's Medical College & Hospital, Sarfarazganj, Hardai road, Lucknow PIN 226003, Uttar Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Nikha
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Bhardwaj
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Vyas Dental College and Hospital Kudi Haud, Pali Road, Jodhpur PIN 342008, Rajasthan, India.
authors.forename: Priya
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sahni
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Vyas Dental College and Hospital Kudi Haud, Pali Road, Jodhpur PIN 342008, Rajasthan, India.
authors.forename: Abhishek
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Singhvi
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Vyas Dental College and Hospital Kudi Haud, Pali Road, Jodhpur PIN 342008, Rajasthan, India.
authors.forename: Meghanand
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nayak
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomy, Era's Medical College & Hospital, Sarfarazganj, Hardai road, Lucknow PIN 226003, Uttar Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Vineeta
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Tiwari
keywords: auriculotemporal nerve; inferior alveolar nerve; mandibular nerve; variation