Intraparotid Anatomy of the Facial Nerve and Retromandibular Vein in Adults

Abstract

Objectives:The purpose of the present study is to lay out the different characteristics related to intraparotideal distribution and anastomoses of the facial nerve in our community. We also report new variations in the facial nerve branching that have not been previously published.Materials and Methods:A total of 50 facial nerve dissections were performed on 9 female and 16 male cadavers with ages ranging between 29 and 78 (mean 51.6). According to the branching patterns of the facial nerve and to the communication of branches, they were grouped into 5 types.Results:According to Katz Catalano classification, Type I 16%, Type II 8%, Type III 20%, Type IV 44% and Type V 12% facial nerve configurations were noted. In 82 % of the cases the retromandibular vein was located on medial side of the upper and lower trunks of the facial nerve, and in 18%, the course of the retromandibular vein was lateral to the lower trunks and medial to the upper trunks. No new anatomic variation was observed compared our literature knowledge.Conclusion:The anatomic variations of the intraparotid branches of the facial nerve may be observed to exist in different rates in different populations.

Keywords

• parotid gland
• facial nerve
• retromandibular vein.