The relationship between the parotid fascia and the deep fascia of the infraorbital region: a new concept in descriptive and applied anatomy

Abstract

This study aims to demonstrate that a relationship exists between the parotid fascia and the deep fascia of the infra orbital region, recently described by the first author, that continues from the temporal region and covers the mimetic muscles that lift the upper lip.Methods24 hemifaces were dissected to show the relationship between these two deep fascial layers, a preauricular incision was performed, the Superficial musculo‐aponevrotic layer was dissected and reflected. The dissection was then performed deep to the parotid fascia to reach the anterior border of the parotid gland.Another incision was placed in the temporal area, the temporoparietal fascia was elevated, the superficial layer of the deep temporal fascia was incised and dissected toward the zygomatic arch and the infraorbital region.Resultsin all specimens a relationship was present between the parotid layer and the superficial layer of the deep temporal fascia, that continued from the temporal region to the infraorbital one, after crossing the zygomatic arch.The two layers were in continuity in the superior third of the parotid gland, at the anterior border of the gland where the branches for the zygomaticus major, minor and the other muscles that lift the upper lip leave the gland to reach the muscles.Conclusionsa relationship exists between the deep fascia of the infraorbital region, this relationship was observed in the superior third of the anterior border of the parotid gland at the level of the emergency of the branches of the facial nerve for the muscles that lift the upper lip and it was connected to the ligaments present in this area.