English

Abstract

The facial nerve is highly variable and complex in its extra cranial course. Past studies have described patterns of branching in the face and anastomoses between branches. The studies have also thrown light on the significance of the patterns for the surgeon. With more and more development of surgical and aesthetic procedures evolving, an attempt has been made to identify all previously described named patterns with review of past literature and recognize any newer patterns to be noted and recorded. Adult human cadavers (24) which were allotted to first year medical students in the department of Anatomy, P.E.S Medical College, for routine dissection as per schedule were used for the study. One full term fetus was also included in the study. Dissection was done on either side of the faces and therefore the total sample size was considered to be 50 cervicofacial halves. The age of the cadavers was unknown at the time of dissection. The conventional method of dissection was used to identify and trace the facial nerve and its branches. The variability of branching pattern of facial nerve was observed. The patterns observed in this study were compared to patterns described by Davis et al in 1956.Twelve specimens(24/48) cervicofacial halves, showed straight branching pattern(type-1).Three specimens(6/48), cervico-facial halves showed anastomosis in temporo-facial division(type-II), Three (6/48), specimens showed loop formation between divisions(type-III). The type-VI which is a complex pattern of intricate anastomosis of all the branches was seen in four specimens (8/48).In two (4/48) specimens there was loop formation in the cervicofacial division. A larger cervicofacial division was seen in one of the specimens (2/48).The fetal halves did not show any anastomosis between the branches. An attempt has been made to identify the different patterns described with review of literature, to find out any new patterns and to correlate surgical significance of the patterns.