Study on the distribution characteristics of the mandibular marginal branch of the facial nerve and their entry points into the muscles

doi:10.13418/j.issn.1001-165x.2026.5.01

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Chinese Journal of Clinical Anatomy ›› 2026, Vol. 44 ›› Issue (5) : 499-506. DOI: 10.13418/j.issn.1001-165x.2026.5.01

Study on the distribution characteristics of the mandibular marginal branch of the facial nerve and their entry points into the muscles

Zhou Yan^{1, 2#}, Xing Jiaxuan^{1, 3#}, Tang Wei¹, Chun Pu¹, Wang Chengyuan⁴, Cui Zhongkang⁵, Xiang Mingqian⁵, Sui Hongjin^{1, 6}, Yu Shengbo¹*

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Abstract

Objective To observe the course, branch type and entry of the marginal mandibular branch (MMB) into the depressor anguli oris muscle and depressor labii inferioris muscle, so as to provide anatomical basis for symmetry adjustment of perioral microexpression and clinical surgery. Methods By dissecting 30 adult head and neck specimens and observing 3 P45 sheet plastination specimens, the relationship between the MMB and adjacent structures, the type of course, the location of branch points, and the entry points of the depressor anguli oris muscle branch and depressor labialis inferior muscle branch were observed. Results The main trunk of the MMB arose from the anterior edge (96.7%) or lower edge (3.3%) of the parotid gland, ran beneath (30.0%) or on the surface (70.0%) of the lower end of the masseter muscle , and lay deep to (23.3%), superficial to (50.0%) form a deep facial type, or formed a neurovascular loop with the facial artery (26.7%). The MMB coursed above the mandibular margin (66.7%) and below the mandibular margin (33.3%). The course of the branches of the MMB could be divided into single-stem type, double-stem type, combined-stem type and pseudo-single-stem type. The entry point of the MMB into the angular ori muscle was (32.5±10.47) mm from the front edge of the masseter muscle and (16.8±5.91) mm from the mandibular edge, the entry point into the depressor labii inferioris muscle was (48.0±7.87) mm from the front edge of the masseter muscle and (16.5±6.06) mm from the mandibular edge. Conclusions The branches of the MMB exhibits significant variation, with four types identified. The course of the depressor anguli oris and depressor labii inferioris branches can be effectively localized based on the anterior border of the masseter and the mandibular border, providing an applied anatomical basis for reducing surgical risks and improving surgical results.

Key words

Marginal mandibular branch of facial nerve / / / Depressor anguli oris muscle / / / Depressor labialis inferior muscle / / / Facial nerve injury / / / / Applied anatomy

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Zhou Yan, Xing Jiaxuan, Tang Wei, Chun Pu, Wang Chengyuan, Cui Zhongkang, Xiang Mingqian, Sui Hongjin, Yu Shengbo. Study on the distribution characteristics of the mandibular marginal branch of the facial nerve and their entry points into the muscles[J]. Chinese Journal of Clinical Anatomy. 2026, 44(5): 499-506 https://doi.org/10.13418/j.issn.1001-165x.2026.5.01

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