Applied anatomy of the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve

Objective To address the anatomical position of anatomic location of the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve,providing clinical anatomical data for cosmetic surgery on the side and submaxillary region.Methods Totally 33 cases(66 sides) autopsies were observed,including the types and courses of the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerves and their surface locations and relations with the facial artery in the area of heads and necks.Results A single trunk marginal mandibular branches accounts for 58%,the branches witch run along the upper and lower inferior border of border of mandible account for 44% and 5%.The surface location of the branches running out of the parotid gland is near the intersection between 0.5 to 1.0 cm above mandibular angle and the anterior of the posterior border of the mandible.The marginal mandibular branches which pass superficially and deep to the facial artery account for 89% and 6%,respectively.The surface location of the branches running out of the parotid gland is near the intersection between 1.0 cm above mandibular angle and the anterior of the posterior border of the mandible.The distances from the intersection between the nerve and the facial artery to the posterior border of the marginal mandibular branch and to lower border of the mandible were 4.0 cm and 1.0 cm,respectively.Conclusion Marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve has a complicated adjacent and course,so understanding the adjacent relationships can reduce the nerve injury during cosmetic surgery.