Extracranial Course Of Facial Nerve Branches

Extracranial Course Of Facial Nerve Branches

“What is the extracranial course of facial nerve branches? A detailed question and answers guide”

Extracranial course:

• The facial nerve leaves the skull by passing through the stylomastoid foramen
• Next in its extracranial course, it crosses the lateral side of the base of the styloid process
• Enters the postmedial surface of the parotid gland
• Crosses the Retromandibular vein & external carotid artery
• Behind the neck of the mandible, it divides into its five terminal branches, which emerge along the anterior border of the parotid gland

• Facial nerve branches and functions

“Understanding the extracranial course of facial nerve branches through FAQs: Anatomy, functions, and uses explained”

“Importance of studying the extracranial course of facial nerve branches for medical students: Questions explained”

Extracranial Relations:

• The facial nerve is attached to the brain stem by two roots-motor & sensory

“Common challenges in mastering extracranial course of facial nerve branches notes effectively: FAQs provided”

Extracranial  Branches:

1. Within the facial canal

• Greater petrosal nerve
• Nerve to the stapedius
• Chorda tympani nerve

Facial Nerve Branches Extracranial Pathway

2. At its exit from stylomastoid foramen

• Posterior auricular
• Digastric
• Stylohyoid

3. Terminal branches

• Temporal
• Zygomatic
• Buccal
• Marginal mandibular
• Cervical

“Factors influencing success with extracranial course of facial nerve branches studies: Q&A”

4. Communicating branches with adjacent cranial & spinal nerves

“Steps to explain disorders affecting the extracranial course of facial nerve branches: Bell’s palsy vs trauma: Q&A guide”

Extracranial  Applied anatomy:

1. Sudden paralysis of facial nerve at the stylomastoid foramen causes Bell’s palsy
2. Lesion above the origin of chorda tympani nerve causes
   • Bell’s palsy
   • Loss of taste sensation from anterior two-third of tongue

Path of facial nerve after stylomastoid foramen

1. Lower motor neuron paralysis of it causes
   • Paralysis of ipsilateral half of face
2. Upper motor neuron paralysis
   • Causes paralysis of contralateral lower quadrant of face only

“Role of Bell’s palsy in disrupting facial nerve function: Questions answered”