Abstract
A clear understanding of the anatomy of the facial nerve, or seventh cranial nerve, is vital during head and neck surgery and for prevention and treatment of facial paralysis. There are 4 main components of the facial nerve, (branchial motor, special sensory, general sensory, and visceral parasympathetic) that control muscles of facial expression, taste, auricular sensation, and glandular secretion, respectively. It is important for surgeons to appreciate the complex course of the facial nerve as it travels intracranially, intratemporally and extratemporally to prevent injury to these components and identify targets for treatment. This chapter provides an overview of the anatomical course of the facial nerve, describing the anatomy and physiology as they correlate to facial nerve deficits and treatment.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
