Superficial temporal artery as an external landmark for deeper-lying brain structures

Additional localizing superficial landmarks for intracranial structures can be of use to the neurosurgeon. This study was performed to evaluate the usefulness of the superficial temporal artery (STA) as an external landmark for deeper brain structures. Thirteen adult cadavers (26 sides) underwent latex injection of their STA bilaterally. Dissections were next carried out to identify this vessel. Once the STA and its frontal and parietal branches were skeletonized, craniectomies were performed and the underlying dura mater excised. Measurements were made between the frontal and parietal branches of the STA and deeper brain structures. The STA was found to branch on average 3 cm superior to the tragus. The bifurcation of the STA was found to commonly bifurcate at the level of the floor of the middle cranial fossa or superior temporal gyrus. The Sylvian fissure was found at a mean of 2 cm superior to the STA bifurcation. The angle between the frontal branch of the STA and the zygomatic arch had a mean of 37 degrees. The angle between the frontal and parietal branches of the STA had a mean of 87 degrees. At the level of the glabella, the frontal branch of the STA was on average 3 cm posterior to the frontal pole. The temporal tip was located a mean of 3.2 cm anterior to the frontal branch of the STA. The plane of the foramen of Monro was found to lie at a mean distance of 2.3 cm posterior to the frontal branch of the STA. The parietal branch of the STA was noted to travel more or less parallel with the central sulcus in all specimens and to travel an average of 2 cm posterior to this sulcus. At the level of the lateral attachment of the tentorium cerebelli, the parietal branch of the STA was found to travel a mean of 4.8 cm anterior to the entrance of the vein of Labbé into the transverse sinus. The parietal branch of the STA was also found to travel a mean of 4.2 cm anterior to the angular gyrus and 3.9 cm anterior to the supramarginal gyrus. Palpation or Doppler identification of the STA and its branches with subsequent mapping on the lateral cranium may prove useful as an additional superficial landmark for the neurosurgeon.     

颞浅动脉额支的观测及其临床意义

目的为颞动脉活检提供颞浅动脉额支相关的解剖学资料。方法对16具防腐成人尸体标本进行解剖,对颞浅动脉额支进行相关的解剖学观测、测量。结果①颞浅动脉额支在起点和末梢分叉点之间的长度为(45.93±7.29)mm;②颞浅动脉额支在起点和末梢分叉点的坐标值分别为(22.95±3.81,17.32±4.54)mm和(59.93±8.94,37.48±5.37)mm;③颞浅动脉额支在起点和末梢分叉点之间直线相关,直线回归方程为y赞=7.06+0.50X,相关系数r=0.68,P<0.001。结论深入了解颞浅动脉额支的解剖学特点及其与周围结构的解剖学关系,有利于颞动脉活检中颞浅动脉额支的定位及防止周围结构的损伤。     

On the a. malaris of the goat (Capra hircus)

Detailed observations were made of the a. malaris in 25 adult goats by means of the acryl plastic injection method and the findings obtained were evaluated in comparison with those for other mammals. The malar artery arose from the superior wall of the infraorbital artery, lateral to the infraorbital nerve and superomedial to the maxillary tuber, independently or rarely in common with the superior alveolar artery. It first passed anterolaterally in the sulcus malaris on the superior surface of the lacrimal bulla and gave rise to the third palpebral branch independently or rarely in common with the inferior oblique muscular branch beneath the obliquus inferior muscle, and also the main and accessory inferior oblique and the maxillary sinus branches. The third palpebral branch gave off the periosteal, the conjunctive, the supero- and inferolateral branches. After the malar artery gave off the zygomatic branch on the orbital surface of the zygomatic bone, it passed anterosuperiorly up to the incisura malaris at the medial end of the infraorbital margin of the lacrimal bone and gave off the medial superior and inferior palpebral arteries or a common trunk between them. It continued to pass forwards as the nasal radical branch after giving off the infraorbital marginal branch and anastomosed with the nasal dorsal branch of the superficial temporal artery. The medial inferior palpebral artery formed the inferior palpebral arterial arch by anastomosing with the lateral inferior palpebral artery of the superficial temporal at the lateral canthus. The inferior palpebral marginal, the ocular orbicular muscular and the conjunctive branches diverged from the above arterial arch. The medial superior palpebral artery gave off the lacrimal canalicular and the nasolacrimal canal branches and anastomosed with the lateral superior palpebral artery or the frontal branch of the superficial temporal at the medial canthus. The characteristic features of the malar artery in the goat were thus the third palpebral branch occasionally diverging from the external ophthalmic artery of the maxillary artery, a main and several accessory inferior oblique muscular, the maxillary sinus branches and the zygomatic branches.     

颞区皮肤手术易损伤结构的应用解剖研究

目的:获得颞区解剖结构数据,分析颞区皮肤肿瘤活检和手术治疗的安全性.方法:经10%甲醛液固定的成人尸头标本5例10侧,行颞区层次解剖,观测耳前、后组血管神经的参数.结果:主要结构分布于颞浅筋膜层,耳前组由后向前为颞浅静脉、耳颞神经、颞浅动脉及面神经颞支,分别距耳屏(3.14±0.21)mm,(7.04±1.18) mm,(7.32±1.92) mm,(28.67±0.37) mm;面神经颞支最后侧在颧弓上缘处距耳屏(28.67±0.37)mm.耳后组由前向后依次为耳后动脉、枕小神经及耳后静脉,分别距耳廓后沟中部(6.55±0.23)mm,(40.41±1.37)mm,(41.18±1.57)mm.结论:颞区手术切口以耳尖为中心呈放射状,术后瘢痕最小;颞区活检或手术最易损伤面神经颞支,越近颧弓上缘越易损伤,其后果越严重;耳屏前28 mm范围内无面神经颞支,为手术相对安全区.     

Superficial temporal artery: the “C” shape half-buttonhole configuration as it courses over the zygomatic arch

Purpose

To describe the course and configuration of the superficial temporal artery (STA) around the zygomatic arch.

Methods

Volume rendered 3D reconstructions of computed tomography angiography of 25 healthy patients were performed and analyzed at Duke University Hospitals.

Results

The STA coursed over the zygomatic arch or over the condylar process of the mandible in all cases (25/25 pts, 100 %). The STA courses over the posterior zygomatic arch in 23/25 pts (92 %), creating a characteristic “C” shape half-buttonhole configuration as it embraces the arch. When the STA travels posterior to the zygomatic arch, there is no C shape configuration (2/25 pts, 8 %). The STA bifurcates distal to the zygomatic arch in 24/25 pts (96 %).

Conclusions

The “C” shape half-buttonhole configuration is a useful identifying characteristic of the most common course of the STA—over the posterior zygomatic arch before it bifurcates.

     

The superficial temporal artery: anatomical type and clinical application to the flap of the fascia temporal superficialis

The goal of our study is to assess the anatomical type of the superficial temporal artery (STA) in the black population using the classification of Ricbourg et al.. Forty-seven fresh cadavers and three extracted and frozen heads were included in this study. The external carotid artery was isolated in the neck and injected by Rhodopas stained with Congo Red. The superficial temporal artery was dissected using a Y-shaped skin incision. The last step of the procedure was to remove the flap of the fascia superficialis temporis. The third segment of the superficial temporal artery and its terminal branches were studied. This segment courses cephalad and wraps the zygomatic arcade. It splits into two terminal branches: the temporo-frontal and the temporo-parietal ones. The most important of its collaterals, the zygomato-maleus artery, plays a crucial role for distinguishing the subtypes of STA according to the classification of Ricbourg et al.. Indeed, this branch can be subdivided into two types: --type I: the zygomato-malar artery arises from the trunk of the STA; it courses perpendicular and with a slightly ascending direction; this type accounts for 93% of the cases. --type II: the zygomato-malar artery originates from the branch of the temporo-frontal artery. Its course is either horizontal or caudad. This type accounts for 3% of the cases. Our results confirm those of Ricbourg et al.. Thus, we could not CONFIRM the notion of a racial predominance of typology of the STA in our context. We did not study the dimensions of STA and also the level of its bifurcation. Indeed, it has been largely reported in the literature. These elements constitute the anatomic basis of the surgical use of temporal flaps. The vessel-containing tissue in which travels the STA forms the so-called fascia temporalis superficialis whose plasticity and polyvalency are critical during the procedures of plastic and reconstructive surgeries.     

面神经颞支的应用解剖

目的确定面神经颞支的数量、走行和分布情况,为涉及面侧区和颞区的美容外科手术提供解剖学资料。方法解剖33具(66侧)成人尸体标本,探明颞支支数及走行;测量面神经颞支各分支越过颧弓下缘、外眦角等部位的距离。结果面神经颞支有4个分支,分别称为颞支Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ。除颞支Ⅳ经腮腺前缘浅出外,其余均经上缘浅出。浅出后它们立即到达颧弓浅面,其中颞支Ⅰ主要发支到达额肌深面;颞支Ⅱ主要到达额肌与眼轮匝肌交界部深面。颞支Ⅲ、Ⅳ主要发支到达眼轮匝肌深面。测量得到面神经颞支各分支越过颧弓下缘处距外眦角的距离男性分别为3.8cm、3.5cm、2.9cm、和2.8cm;女性分别为3.6cm、3.3cm、2.7cm、2.6cm。面神经颞支各分支发出部位距颧弓下缘的距离男性分别为3.0cm、3.8cm、4.0cm、4.2cm;女性分别为2.7cm、3.3cm、3.3cm、3.7cm。结论面神经颞支根据性别具有基本确定的走行及分布,为相关的美容外科手术提供了解剖学依据。     

颞浅动脉额支皮瓣的应用解剖学

目的：为带蒂颞浅动脉额支皮瓣转移修复眼部软组织缺损提供解剖学资料。方法：对头面部乳胶灌注的标本进行解剖，并对颞浅动脉的走行、分支、分布进行观测。结果：颞浅动脉起自颈外动脉，穿腮腺实质上行，在颧弓上方分为额、顶两终末支。额支又于外毗上方分为额顶支和额眶支。额支、额顶支、额眶支血管外径均在1mm左右，可游离血管长度符合要求。结论：以颞浅动脉额支为蒂的皮瓣可用来转位修复眶周软组织缺损。     

鼻成形术中额颞部血管的应用解剖学研究

目的：为解决临床上额部皮瓣修复鼻缺损时常出现的血运障碍，全鼻再造时的衬里缺损以及应用耳廓复合组织修复鼻翼缺损时面积受限等问题。方法：对２９例（５８例）尸体额、鼻和颞部血管进行解剖。结果：滑车上动脉由两侧向内上行走，滑车上动脉的分支、眶上动脉的浅支、颞浅动脉额支的额眶支相互吻合成网前额动脉吻合网。颞浅动脉主干及顶支发出２～３支耳支分布至耳轮。结论：额部皮瓣应设计在旁正中的滑车上动脉血管走行轴线上；可同时用两侧额部皮瓣行全鼻缺损的修复；亦可经前额动脉吻合网、颞浅动脉及其分支，设计出带蒂的大面积耳廓复合组织岛状瓣修复大面积鼻翼缺损或半鼻缺损     

带颞浅血管颅骨瓣修复颌面部缺损的应用解剖

目的：为带颞浅血管蒂颅骨外板骨瓣转位修复颌面部缺损提供解剖学基础。方法：在30侧经动脉灌注乳胶的成人尸体标本和8头颈铸型标本（5例保留骨骼）上,对颞浅动脉的走行、分支及分布进行观测,并在标本上进行模拟术式设计。结果：颞浅动脉起自颈外动脉,于外耳门前方越过颧弓根部浅出至皮下,在皮下组织和颞浅筋膜之间向前上走行,至颧弓上方分为额、顶二终支,其分支营养颅顶部大至3/4区域的软组织、骨膜和颅骨外板,颞浅动脉主干及额支、顶支动脉外径均大于1mm,浅出部位至颞线处可游离长度为8cm以上。结论：设计以颞浅动脉为蒂颅骨外板骨瓣转位修复颌面部缺损具有可行性。     

面神经颞、颧、颊支与SMAS关系的解剖学研究

目的 明确面神经颞支、颧支、颊支的走行及其与SMAS的关系,为面中部除皱术提供形态学资料.方法 10具(20侧)成人头部标本,逐层解剖观测,数据描记于以眼外眦点与耳屏上切迹点连线所在水平面为X轴(横坐标),耳屏上切迹点为原点建立的坐标系上.结果 ①面神经颞支以3支型为多,各支由腮腺上缘出腮腺,而后向前上越过颧弓中外1...     

Arterial anatomy of the auricle: its importance for reconstructive surgery

Because the auricle is an organ that is both used as a flap in reconstructive surgery and is often exposed to trauma, the arterial distribution of the auricle is of great importance. The aims of this study were to investigate the auricular branches of the posterior auricular artery (PAA) and superficial temporal artery (STA), to determine the vascular territory of various auricular flaps for flap design. Fifteen human male cadaver auricles were used for this study. A branch of the STA to the ear lobe (lower branch) was present in only five auricles (33%). Branches distributing the tragus were small and short arterioles (middle branch of the STA) which were present in 14 auricles (93%). The upper branch of the STA ascends the ascending helix, giving off sub-branches. Some of these sub-branches traverse to the posterior surfaces of the ear and communicate with branches of the PAA. The upper branch was present in all auricles. In 10 auricles (67%), the PAA terminated on the posterior auricular surface, whereas in five auricles (33%) it continued and distributed to the parietotemporal area. The arterial network which was obvious in the middle region of the posterior auricular surface was formed from the middle branch and some sub-branches of the upper branch of the PAA, which was found in 10 auricles (67%). We are convinced that the PAA is the dominant artery for the auricle and the arterial network of posterior auricular surface is better developed in the middle region than the other regions.

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Electronic Supplementary Material The french versin of this article is available in the form of electronic supplementary material and can be obtained by using the Springer Link server located at .

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Anatomie de la vascularisation artérielle de l'auricule. Son importance en chirurgie reconstructrice

Résumé La vascularisation artérielle de l'auricule a une grande importance clinique: il est exposé aux traumatismes et volontiers utilisé comme lambeau en chirurgie reconstructrice. Les buts de cette étude étaient l'analyse des rameaux auriculaires de l'artère auriculaire postérieure (AAP) et de l'artère temporale superficielle (ATS) afin de déterminer les territoires vasculaires de différents lambeaux auriculaires. Les auricules de 15 cadavres d'hommes adultes ont été utilisés pour ce travail. Un rameau auriculaire inférieur de l'ATS destiné au lobule de l'auricule était présent sur seulement 5 auricules (33,3%). Les rameaux auriculaires moyens de l'ATS destinés au tragus étaient petits et courts; ils étaient présents sur 14 auricules (93,3%). Le rameau auriculaire supérieur de l'ATS cheminant devant l'hélix lui donnait quelques rameaux. Quelques-uns traversent le pavillon, vers la face postérieure et communiquaient avec les rameaux auriculaires de l'AAP. Le rameau auriculaire supérieur de l'ATS était présent sur tous les auricules. Sur 10 auricules (66,6%), l'AAP se terminait à la face postérieure de l'auricule. Sur 5 auricules (33,3%), cette artère se poursuivait et se distribuait à la région pariéto-temporale. Le réseau artériel, bien formé dans la région moyenne de la face postérieure de l'auricule, était constitué par le rameau auriculaire moyen de l'AAP et de quelques artérioles provenant de son rameau supérieur, ce qui a été parfaitement retrouvé sur 10 auricules (66,6%). Nous avons ainsi montré que l'AAP est l'artère principale de l'auricule et que le réseau artériel de la surface auriculaire postérieure est beaucoup mieux développé dans la partie moyenne que dans les autres régions de l'auricule.

     

Deep palmar arch patterns in Brazilian individuals

The deep palmar arch is very important in the blood supply to the hand. Consequently, the radial artery and the deep palmar arch were studied in 60 hands from 30 cadavers of adult Brazilian individuals, of both sexes. The cadavers belong to the Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Brazil. The hand arteries were injected with red stained latex neoprene the deep palmar arch was observed in 59 preparations (98.3%). The arch conformation was classified in two groups, according to the course of the radial artery through the interosseous spaces from the dorsal to the deep palmar region. In group I the radial artery passed through the first interosseous space, and was observed in 51 preparations (85.0%) in group II, the artery passed through the second interosseous space, and was observed in 8 preparations (13.3%). In each group the arches were subdivided according to the number and origin of the deep palmar branch. In group I the arch was formed by the radial artery anastomosing with one deep palmar branch in 41 cases (68.3%), and with two deep palmar branches in 10 cases (16.7%). These branches originated from the ulnar artery, ulnar proper palmar digital artery of the little finger or the common palmar digital artery of the fourth interosseous space. In group II the deep palmar arch was formed by the radial artery anastomosing with one deep palmar branch in 7 cases (11.7%) and in only one case (1.7%) with two deep palmar branches. Knowledge of the arterial variations is very important for surgical procedures in the palmar region.     

Arterial supply to the thyroid gland and the relationship between the recurrent laryngeal nerve and the inferior thyroid artery in human fetal cadavers

The aim of this study was to identify the arterial supply to the thyroid gland and the relationship between the inferior thyroid artery (ITA) and the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) in fetal cadavers using anatomical dissection. The anterior necks of 200 fetuses were dissected. The origins of the superior thyroid artery (STA) and the ITA and location of the ITA in relation to the entrance of the thyroid lobe were examined. The relationship between the ITA and the RLN was determined. The origins of the STA were classified as: external carotid artery, common carotid artery (CCA), and the thyrolingual trunk. The origins of the ITA were the thyrocervical trunk and the CCA. The ITA was absent on the left side in two cases. The relationship of the RLN to the ITA fell into seven different types. Type 1: the RLN lay posterior to the artery; right (42.5%), left (65%). Type 2: the RLN lay anterior to the artery; right (40.5%), left (22.5%). Type 3: the RLN lay parallel to the artery; right (11.5%), left (7%). Type 4: the RLN lay between the two branches of the artery; right (1%), left (3.5%). Type 5: The extralaryngeal branch of the RLN was detected before it crossed the ITA; right (4.5%), left (0%). Type 6: the ITA lay between the two branches of the RLN; right (0%), left (0.5%). Type 7: the branches of the RLN lay among the branches of the ITA; right (0%), left (0.5%). The results from this study would be useful in future thyroid surgeries. Clin. Anat. 27:1185–1192, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

喉上神经外支和甲状腺上动脉的应用解剖

目的　解剖并观察喉上神经外支（external laryngeal nerve, ELN）和甲状腺上动脉（superior thyroid artery,STA）之间的比邻关系,为手术中保护ELN提供解剖学基础。 方法　成年尸体标本57具（114侧）,在6倍大视场显微镜下解剖并观察ELN、STA的比邻关系。 结果　本组标本中颈交感链（cervical sympathetic chain,CSC)与ELN吻合成袢（CSC-ELN loop)者,占78.9% （90侧）。在27.7%（25侧）低位CSC-ELN loop中,血管和神经的位置关系可分为4类：①STA分支与CSC-ELN loop重叠;②STA腺支穿过CSC-ELN loop;③CSC-ELN loop环甲肌支与STA喉支伴行;④STA的分支与CSC-ELN loop分支相互交叉。 结论　STA与CSC-ELN loop之间的关系十分复杂。有鉴于此,在甲状腺和/或颈部手术中,我们特提出两个手术保护措施：①应单支游离并结扎STA;②在处理STA的前内侧分支时,应注意避免损伤ELN/CSC-ELN loop的环甲肌支。     

The nerve supply of zygomaticus major: Variability and distinguishing zygomatic from buccal facial nerve branches

The zygomaticus major (ZM) is important for the human smile. There are conflicting data about whether the zygomatic or buccal branches of the facial nerve are responsible for its motor innervation. The literature provides no precise distinction of the transition zone between these two branch systems. In this study, a definition to distinguish the facial nerve branches at the level of the body of the zygoma is proposed. In the light of this definition, we conducted an anatomical study to determine how the source of innervation of the ZM was distributed. A total of 96 fresh‐frozen cadaveric facial halves were dissected under loupe magnification. A hemiparotidectomy was followed by antegrade microsurgical dissection. Any branch topographically lying superficial to the zygoma or touching it was classed as zygomatic, and any neighboring inferior branch was considered buccal. The arborization of the facial nerve was diffuse in all cases. In 64 out of 96 specimens (67%, 95% CI: 56% to 76%), zygomatic branches innervated the ZM. Buccal branches innervated ZM in the other 32 facial halves (33%, 95% CI: 24% to 44%). There were no differences in respect of sex or facial side. All facial halves displayed additional branches, which crossed the muscle on its inner surface without supplying it. In 31 specimens, a nerve branch ran superficial to ZM in its cranial third. According to our classification, the zygomaticus major is innervated by zygomatic branches in 67% of cases and by buccal branches in 33%. Clin. Anat. 31:560–565, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Branching patterns of the facial nerve and its communication with the auriculotemporal nerve

This study examines the anatomic relationships and variability of the facial nerve trunk and its branches, with emphasis on the intraparotid connections between the divisions. Microdissections were performed on 30 Korean half-heads, and the facial nerve trunks and branches were exposed. The average depth of the stylomastoid foramen from the skin surface was 21.0±3.1 mm, and the distance between the stylomastoid foramen and the bifurcation of the temporofacial (upper) and cervicofacial (lower) divisions was 13.0±2.8 mm. In 26 of 30 dissections (86.7%), the facial nerve trunk bifurcated into two main divisions, and a trifurcation pattern was seen in the other four cases (13.3%). According to the origin of the buccal branches, we classified the branching patterns of the facial nerve into four categories. In type I (13.8% of cases), the buccal branches arose from the two main divisions of the trunk but not from other branches of the facial nerve. In type II (44.8% of cases), the buccal branches arising from the two main divisions were interconnected with the zygomatic branch. In type III (17.3% of cases), the marginal mandibular branch sent nerve twigs to the buccal branch, which originated from the upper and lower divisions. In type IV (17.3% of cases), the nerve twigs from the zygomatic and marginal mandibular branches merged to the buccal branch arising from the two main divisions. Communications between the facial and auriculotemporal nerve branches, which are known as communicating auriculotemporal nerves, were observed in 28 of the 30 cases (93.3%). Familiarity with these common variations in the facial anatomy provides useful information for the surgeon in careful dissection, preservation of the facial nerve, and complete removal of the tumors in parotidectomies.     

Accurate course and relationships of the transverse facial artery in human cadavers

Both the course and localization of the transverse facial artery are described, based upon the bilateral dissection of heads from 20 human cadavers. Its anatomical relationships with the mandibular fossa, the articular tubercle, the zygomatic arch, the parotid duct and the maxillary artery are studied and morphometric features are calculated. Furthermore, the transverse facial territory was examined. This territory was supplied by a single perforating branch in 28 cases, by two perforating branches in 10 and by three perforating branches in 2. Knowledge of the course and relationships of the transverse facial artery should help to protect this artery from the risk for transection. However, the variable course of the transverse facial artery must always be taken into consideration by the clinicians during surgical procedures.     

Bilateral comparison of the vascular pattern of the superficial temporal artery based on digital subtraction angiography

Purpose

This study was performed to investigate any bilateral differences in the vascular pattern and microsurgical relevant parameters of the superficial temporal artery (STA) in vivo.

Methods

Digital subtraction angiographies of the STA of 38 individuals were retrospectively analyzed. A bilateral comparison of the branching pattern as well as of surgically relevant diameters and lengths of the main branches of the STA was performed. Moreover, gender-specific differences were assessed.

Results

Only 10 cases (26 %) demonstrated an identical type and subtype of the STA pattern bilaterally. The diameters of the STA at its origin and bifurcation level as well as of its parietal branch were statistically significant wider on the right than on the left side (p _o  = 0.0009, p _b  = 0.006, p _p  = 0.030). Moreover, the diameters of the STA at its origin level on the right side, at its bifurcation level on both sides and of the frontal branch on both sides were statistically significant wider in males than females. No statistically significant differences of the lengths of the STA and its main branches between the right and the left side were identified.

Conclusion

The occurrence of the vascular pattern of the STA in vivo is random for each side of the same person and cannot be predicted by the vascular pattern of the opposite side. The calibers of the main branches of the STA are gender specific and commonly larger on the right than on the left side.

     

Anatomical study of the zygomatic and buccal branches of the facial nerve: Application to facial reanimation procedures

The facial nerve is responsible for any facial expression channeling human emotions. Facial paralysis causes asymmetry, lagophthalmus, oral incontinence, and social limitations. Facial dynamics may be re‐established with cross‐face‐nerve‐grafts (CFNG). Our aim was to reappraise the zygomaticobuccal branch system relevant for facial reanimation surgery with respect to anastomoses and crossings. Dissection was performed on 106 facial halves of 53 fresh frozen cadavers. Study endpoints were quantity and relative thickness of branches, correlation to “Zuker's point”, interconnection patterns and crossings. Level I and level II branches were classified as relevant for CFNG. Anastomoses and fusion patterns were assessed in both levels. The zygomatic branch showed 2.98 ± 0.86 (range 2–5) twigs at level II and the buccal branch 3.45 ± 0.96 (range 2–5), respectively. In the zygomatic system a single dominant branch was present in 50%, two co‐dominant branches in 9% and three in 1%. In 66% of cases a single dominant buccal twig, two co‐dominant in 12.6%, and three in 1% of cases were detected. The most inferior zygomatic branch was the most dominant branch (P = 0.003). Using Zuker's point, a facial nerve branch was found within 5 mm in all facial halves. Fusions were detected in 80% of specimens. Two different types of fusion patterns could be identified. Undercrossing of branches was found in 24% at levels I and II. Our study describes facial nerve branch systems relevant for facial reanimation surgery in a three‐dimensional relationship of branches to each other. Clin. Anat. 32:480–488, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.