Abstract
The zygomaticofacial branch (ZFb) of the zygomatic nerve travels along the inferolateral angle of the orbit, traverses the zygomaticofacial foramen (ZFF) in the zygomatic bone, and then perforates the orbicularis oculi muscle to finally reach the skin of the malar area, which it innervates. The bilateral absence of the ZFb and the ZFF was found in an 80-year-old Caucasian cadaver. In addition, both zygomatic nerves were absent. A thin nerve arising from the lacrimal nerve passed below it and gave rise to the lacrimal branch and a communicating branch to the lacrimal nerve. This then entered the small bony canal, which opened at the medial aspect of the lateral wall of the orbit on the right and left sides. The bilateral absence of the ZFb of the zygomatic nerve and its foramen appears to be uncommon but should be realized during surgery or invasive procedures over the cheek or infraorbital region. The additional absence of both zygomatic nerves is exceptional.
Highlights
The malar surface of the zygomatic bone is convex and perforated near its center with a small aperture, the zygomaticofacial foramen (ZFF), where the zygomaticofacial branch (ZFb) and vessels traverse to reach the face
The zygomaticofacial branch (ZFb) of the zygomatic nerve travels along the inferolateral angle of the orbit, traverses the zygomaticofacial foramen (ZFF) in the zygomatic bone, and perforates the orbicularis oculi muscle to reach the skin of the malar area, which it innervates
The bilateral absence of the ZFb and the ZFF was found in an 80-year-old Caucasian cadaver
Summary
The malar surface of the zygomatic bone is convex and perforated near its center with a small aperture, the zygomaticofacial foramen (ZFF), where the zygomaticofacial branch (ZFb) and vessels traverse to reach the face. The ZFb perforates the orbicularis oculi muscle to reach the skin of the cheek It joins with the zygomatic branches of the facial nerve and with the inferior palpebral branches of the maxillary nerve (V2) [1]. A thin nerve arose from the lacrimal nerve, passed below it, and gave rise to the lacrimal branch and a communicating branch with the lacrimal nerve This nerve entered a small bony canal, which opened into the medial aspect of the lateral wall of the orbit on both the right and left sides (Figure 2). The diameter of this nerve was 0.67 mm on the right and 0.62 mm on the left side, respectively. The study was conducted in accordance with the requirements of the Declaration of Helsinki (64th WMA General Assembly, Fortaleza, Brazil, October 2013)
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