Aberrant distribution of the trochlear nerve: A cadaveric study supported by immunohistochemistry

Innervation of Orbicularis Oculi by Trochlear Nerve: Word of Caution

BACKGROUND

Neurosurgeons who operate in and around the pathway of the ocular nerves should have good knowledge of not only their normal anatomy but also their variations.

CASE DESCRIPTION

During routine dissection of the orbits in an adult cadaver, an aberrant branch of the right trochlear nerve continued on to innervate the orbicularis oculi muscle. In this case, the trochlear nerve also provided a branch to the supratrochlear nerve.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgeons who operate along the pathway of the trochlear nerve such as the cavernous sinus should be aware of such an anatomic variant in order to avoid unwanted complications such as weakness of the orbicularis oculi muscle.

The facial nerve: anatomy and associated disorders for oral health professionals

The facial nerve, the seventh cranial nerve, is of great clinical significance to oral health professionals. Most published literature either addresses the central connections of the nerve or its peripheral distribution but few integrate both of these components and also highlight the main disorders affecting the nerve that have clinical implications in dentistry. The aim of the current study is to provide a comprehensive description of the facial nerve. Multiple aspects of the facial nerve are discussed and integrated, including its neuroanatomy, functional anatomy, gross anatomy, clinical problems that may involve the nerve, and the use of detailed anatomical knowledge in the diagnosis of the site of facial nerve lesion in clinical neurology. Examples are provided of disorders that can affect the facial nerve during its intra-cranial, intra-temporal and extra-cranial pathways, and key aspects of clinical management are discussed. The current study is complemented by original detailed dissections and sketches that highlight key anatomical features and emphasise the extent and nature of anatomical variations displayed by the facial nerve.