Anatomy of the Superficial Face: Muscles of Face and Scalp, Superficial Vessels and Nerves, Major Salivary Glands

Abstract

This chapter describes the muscles of facial expression and their function. All receive motor innervation from the facial nerve. The superficial motor nerves to the muscles of facial expression from the facial nerve (temporal, zygomatic, buccal, mandibular, cervical branches, and the posterior auricular nerve) are described. The sensory nerves to the face (branches of each of the three divisions of the trigeminal nerve or cervical nerves) are delineated. Superficial areas where nerves and blood vessels can be located are indicated. The parotid gland is the largest of the major salivary glands lying superficial to and behind the posterior mandible and anterior to the external auditory meatus. The submandibular gland is inferior and medial to the mandible. The sublingual gland is in the floor of the mouth. The various important functions of saliva are explained.