The parotid plexus or plexus parotideus is the branch point of the facial nerve (extratemporal) after it leaves the stylomastoid foramen. This division takes place within the parotid gland.
| Parotid plexus | |
|---|---|
 Plan of the facial and intermediate nerves and their communication with other nerves. (Branches of facial nerve visible at bottom center.) | |
 The nerves of the scalp, face, and side of neck. (Parotid plexus not labeled, but visible near ear.) | |
| Details | |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | plexus parotideus |
| TA98 | A14.2.01.108 |
| TA2 | 6301 |
| FMA | 77530 |
| Anatomical terms of neuroanatomy | |
Branches
editCommonly, it divides into the following branches (several variations):
- The temporal branches, cross the zygomatic arch to the temporal region.
- The zygomatic branches, cross the zygomatic bone to the orbit.
- The buccal branches, pass forward to below the orbit and around the mouth.
- The marginal mandibular branch passes forward to the lower lip and chin.
- The cervical branch runs forward forming a series of arches over the suprahyoid region to the platysma muscle.[1]
References
edit- ^ Snell, Richard S. (2007). Clinical anatomy by systems. Hagerstwon, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. ISBN 978-0-7817-9164-9.
External links
edit- http://www.dartmouth.edu/~humananatomy/figures/chapter_47/47-5.HTM
- cranialnerves at The Anatomy Lesson by Wesley Norman (Georgetown University) (VII)
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