Anatomy & Physiology: Current Research
Open Access

Abstract

Communications of Transverse Cervical Cutaneous Nerve with the Cervical Branch of Facial Nerve and its Variant Nerve Endings Deep in the Parotid Gland

Srinivasa Rao Sirasanagandla, Swamy Ravindra S, Sapna Marpalli and Satheesha Nayak B

Anastomoses between the transverse cervical cutaneous nerve and the cervical branch of facial nerve are regularly present. The anatomic locations of these anastomoses were poorly documented in the literature. During regular dissection, we came across two of such anastomoses: one of the two anastomoses was identified posterior to submandibular gland, and the other was noted within the parenchyma of the parotid gland. Prior knowledge of anatomic locations of these anastomoses is clinically important as it allows a method for identification and preservation of the cervical branch of the facial nerve as well as a starting point for retrograde facial nerve dissections. In addition, few terminal nerve endings of transverse cervical cutaneous nerve were seen along the retromandibular vein, ducts and some were penetrating the interlobular septa of parotid gland. The functional significance of anatomic variations of its nerve terminal ends deep in the gland is yet to be evaluated.