ABSTRACT
<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>The lingual, inferior alveolar and auriculotemporal nerves, being branches of the posterior division of the mandibular nerve, mainly innervate the mandibular teeth and all the major salivary glands. Anomalous communications among these branches are widely reported due to their significance to various treatment procedures undertaken in the region. This study was performed as detailed exploration of the functional perspectives of such communicating branches would further enhance the scope of these procedures.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 36 specimens were dissected to examine the infratemporal region. The branches from the posterior division of the mandibular nerve--namely the lingual, inferior alveolar and auriculotemporal nerves--were carefully dissected, and their branches were studied and analysed for abnormal course.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Communication between branches of the posterior division of the mandibular nerve was observed in four specimens. In two of the four specimens, communication between the mylohyoid and lingual nerves was observed. A rare and seldom reported type of communication between the auriculotemporal and inferior alveolar nerves is described in this study. This communicating nerve split into two to form a buttonhole for the passage of the mylohyoid nerve.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Such communicating branches between nerves found in this study are developmental in origin and thought to maintain functional integrity through an alternative route.</p>
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Male , Cadaver , Lingual Nerve , Mandibular Nerve , Neck Muscles , TongueABSTRACT
A clear knowledge of the location of the maxillo-facial foramina is essential for clinicians while performing endoscopic surgeries and regional nerve blocks. In the present study, a detailed analysis of the supraorbital foramen [SOF] and supraorbital notch [SON] of South Indian skulls is reported and the data are compared with those from other races and regions. Anatomical variation of SOF/SON was studied in 83 adult human skulls bilaterally, using "travelling Vernier's microscope". The skulls belonged to the cadavers of South Indian origin. The parameters used were distanced between the SON/ SOF and the nasal midline; distance between the SON/SOF and the frontozygomatic suture [FZS]; shape and height of the SOF; transverse diameter of the SON; the presence of accessory foramina [ACF] and their number; as well as the location and distance from the main SON/SOF. SON was more frequently found than the SOF. The mean distance of SON/SOF to the nasal midline was 22.24 mm on the right side and 22.2 mm on the left side. The mean distance of SON/SOF to the frontozygomatic suture was 29.34 mm on the right side and 28.7 mm on the left side. While the mean height of SOF was 3.5 mm on the right side and 3.04 mm on the left side. Also, the mean transverse diameter of SON was 5.17 mm on the right side and 5.58 mm on the left side. The accessory supraorbital foramina were observed in 66.25% of cases. There is a difference in the position and dimensions of SOF /SON between different races and people of different regions. Anatomical knowledge of SON /SOF is important in facilitating local anesthetic, forehead lifting, blepharoplasty and other craniofacial surgical procedures