Applied anatomy of the frontal branch of facial nerve: definition and its location in temporal soft-tissue layers

Objective: To clarify the definition of the frontal branch of facial nerve(FB ) and its location in temporal soft-tissue layers. Methods: Sixteen fixed adult head specimens were dissected) with the number of FB as well as its exit site from the parotid gland documented. Results: ㏕he temporal branch(TB) of facial nerve emerged from the superior margin of the parotid at the point of 17. 6±5. 2 mm before and 7. 2±2. 3 mm above the intertragus notch, and there were 2.1±0. 7 rami of FB among 2. 6±0. 8 of TB.②?On the zygomatic arch, FB ran with the superficial temporal vessels (STV) in the areolar tissue that tightly fused with the superficial temporal fascia(STF)and the periosteum; In the temporal region, the STV was enwrapped within the STF, while the FB kept running in the areolar tissue under the STF. Conclusions: ①The FB was one of TB, which innervated the frontal muscle, distributing to the area between the coronal suture and the zygomaticotemporal suture. ②It is safe to dissect in the plane between the subcutaneous and the STF, or under the periosteum of zygoma and superficial layer of deep temporal fascia.