Facial Nerve and Muscle Anatomy

Facial nerve anatomy demonstrates the complex integration of the motor, general sensory, special sensory, and autonomic nervous systems. Its intricate path travels intracranial, intratemporal, and extratemporal to innervate the muscles of facial expression. Facial muscles demonstrate unique motor end plate microarchitecture distribution and quantity compared to skeletal muscles. This system of neural regulation contributes to fine adjustments necessary for emotional expression, as well as the challenges that arise in facial paralysis rehabilitation. Surgeons working in the head and neck must have a comprehensive understanding of facial nerve and muscle anatomy to diagnose, avoid, and treat facial nerve disorders.