Facial (CN VII) Nerve

A pattern of variation has been established for the facial nerve (see Illustrations). However, the clear separation of the nerve into five main terminal branches (temporal, zygomatic, buccal, mandibular, and cervical) may be difficult or impossible.

The posterior auricular and occipital branches may arise before their exit from the stylomastoid foramen.

Branches from the facial nerve have been observed to replace those from the glossopharyngeal (CN IX) in supplying the root of the tongue and palate.

The nerve to the digastric muscle may also supply the styloglossus and, in part, the sternocleidomastoid.

The facial nerve may furnish branches to CN X (Vagus) and CN XI (spinal accessory) nerves.

In a study of 78 preparations, the chorda tympani originated from the facial nerve within the facial canal in 74, and extracranially in four.

The chorda tympani may run independently of the lingual nerve after its exit from the iter chordae anterius and the petrotympanic fissure.

It has been observed attached to the inferior alveolar nerve until the latter entered the alveolar canal; the chorda tympani then supplied the salivary glands and joined the lingual to supply the tongue.

The facial nerve may have an unusual course through the temporal bone; it may be exposed in the middle ear by lacking a bony cover, and it may be divided into several parts and be in separate canals. Unusual muscle fibers may be found in the facial canal along with the facial nerve.

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