Communications of Transverse Cervical Cutaneous Nerve with the Cervical Branch of Facial Nerve and its Variant Nerve Endings Deep in the Parotid Gland

Srinivasa Rao Sirasanagandla Swamy Ravindra S, Sapna Marpalli,Satheesha Nayak B

doi:10.4172/2161-0940.1000114

Abstract

Anastomoses between the transverse cervical cutaneous nerve and the cervical branch of facial nerve are regularly present. The anatomic locations of these anastomoses were poorly documented in the literature. During regular dissection, we came across two of such anastomoses: one of the two anastomoses was identified posterior to submandibular gland, and the other was noted within the parenchyma of the parotid gland. Prior knowledge of anatomic locations of these anastomoses is clinically important as it allows a method for identification and preservation of the cervical branch of the facial nerve as well as a starting point for retrograde facial nerve dissections. In addition, few terminal nerve endings of transverse cervical cutaneous nerve were seen along the retromandibular vein, ducts and some were penetrating the interlobular septa of parotid gland. The functional significance of anatomic variations of its nerve terminal ends deep in the gland is yet to be evaluated.

Highlights

Cervical plexus is formed by the ventral rami of upper four cervical spinal nerves and supply some of the areas of skin on the head, neck and chest through its cutaneous branches
One of its branches was noted to be communicated with the cervical branch of facial nerve with in the parenchyma of the parotid gland
Kim et al have been identified an anatomical variation of close relation between the transverse cervical cutaneous nerve (TCCN) and great auricular nerve (GAN) as they were emerging from the paravertebral fascia [6]

Summary

Introduction

Cervical plexus is formed by the ventral rami of upper four cervical spinal nerves and supply some of the areas of skin on the head, neck and chest through its cutaneous branches. Transverse cutaneous nerve arises from the second and third cervical ventral rami and curves around the midpoint of posterior border of sternocleidomastoid muscle and runs obliquely forwards passing deep to the external jugular vein. It crosses the anterior border of the muscle and perforates the deep cervical fascia before dividing into ascending and descending branches.

Results

Conclusion