Anatomy of the Face

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Questions and Answers

What is the superior border of the face?

The chin

The nose

The forehead (correct)

The ears

What is the main function of the face?

To protect the brain

To facilitate speech

To provide human identity and mediate interface (correct)

To regulate body temperature

What is not a content of the face?

Kidneys (correct)

Salivary glands

Musculature

Facial bones

Why is the face subdivided into subregions?

For clinical diagnosis Signup and view all the answers

What nerve is responsible for cutaneous innervation of the face?

Facial nerve Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of defining the face as a discrete region?

To diagnose facial injuries or pathologies Signup and view all the answers

What does the facial skeleton comprise of?

Only the viscerocranium Signup and view all the answers

How many facial bones are there?

14 Signup and view all the answers

Which bone articulates with the temporal bone via the TMJ?

Mandible Signup and view all the answers

Where do the facial muscles originate from?

Bones Signup and view all the answers

How many subgroups can the muscles of the face be classified into?

3 Signup and view all the answers

What is the action of the Orbicularis oculi muscle?

Blinks and closes eyes Signup and view all the answers

What is the origin of the Epicranius muscle?

Cranial aponeurosis Signup and view all the answers

How many different facial muscles are there?

17 Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of trigeminal neuralgia pain?

Unilateral and electric shock-like Signup and view all the answers

What is the origin of the orbicularis oculi muscle?

Frontal bone, maxilla, and lacrimal bones Signup and view all the answers

Which muscle is also known as the oral sphincter?

Orbicularis oris Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common cause of trigeminal neuralgia?

Vascular compression of the nerve root Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the facial nerve?

Primary motor Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the buccinator muscle?

To press the cheek against the teeth Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the facial nerve in taste?

It has a special sensory role Signup and view all the answers

Which muscle originates from the zygomatic bone?

Zygomaticus Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the platysma muscle?

To tense the skin and depress the mandible Signup and view all the answers

What is the treatment option for trigeminal neuralgia when drug treatment is ineffective?

Microvascular decompression Signup and view all the answers

What is the gender ratio for trigeminal neuralgia?

More females than males Signup and view all the answers

What is the main blood supplier to the face?

External carotid artery Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following arteries is NOT a branch of the external carotid artery?

Maxillary artery Signup and view all the answers

What is the pattern of venous drainage of the face?

Parallel to the equivalent-named arteries Signup and view all the answers

Which muscle is not primarily supplied by the facial nerve?

Masseter Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the visceral motor component of the facial nerve?

Regulation of lacrimal and salivary glands Signup and view all the answers

Which nerve is responsible for saliva production in the parotid gland?

Glossopharyngeal nerve Signup and view all the answers

Where does the parotid duct open into the oral cavity?

On the buccal side of the upper left second molar Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the chorda tympani?

Taste sensation from the anterior 2/3 of the tongue Signup and view all the answers

What is the location of the facial nerve as it travels towards the face?

Within the parotid gland Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a branch of the external carotid artery in the parotid gland?

Ophthalmic artery Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of defining the face as a separate anatomical region?

To enable better understanding of anatomical structures and their relationships Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Facial Skeleton

Facial bones belong to the viscerocranium, while the neurocranium encloses the brain.
There are 14 facial bones:
- Inferior turbinal (2)
- Lacrimal (2)
- Maxilla (2)
- Mandible (1)
- Nasal (2)
- Palatine (2)
- Vomer (1)
- Zygomatic (2)
Bones denoted with an asterisk (*) significantly shape the face, alongside the frontal bone; other soft tissues also contribute to facial features.
The mandible uniquely articulates with the temporal bone through the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).

Muscles of the Face

Facial muscles are superficial due to minimal tissue between the skin and skull; fat is more concentrated in the cheeks.
Facial muscles originate on bones and insert onto skin, enabling facial expressions rather than limb movement.
Muscles can be categorized into three groups:
- Muscles of the scalp, forehead, and eyebrows
- Muscles of the mouth, lips, and cheeks
- Muscles of the orbital opening
There are approximately 17 main facial muscles, including:
- Epicranius: Raises eyebrows
- Orbicularis oculi: Closes and blinks eyes
- Orbicularis oris: Protrudes lips
- Buccinator: Flattens cheeks against teeth
- Zygomaticus: Raises mouth corners
- Platysma: Depresses mouth

The Face as a Discrete Region

The face is defined by its anterior surface and bordered by the forehead, chin, and ears.
For clinical purposes, the face is subdivided into regions to assist in diagnosing injuries or pathologies.

Contents and Role of the Face

Contains facial bones, musculature, salivary glands, and sensory organs (eyes, nose, mouth).
Functions include establishing human identity and providing muscles for facial expressions.

The Facial Nerve

The facial nerve consists of motor, sensory, and parasympathetic components, with a significant role in taste.
Primary motor functions include controlling facial expressions and movements around the mouth and eyes.

Motor Control of Facial Muscles

Motor paths from the brain to facial muscles pass through foramina, facilitating muscle movement.

The Parotid Gland

Enclosed in fascia, swelling can lead to pain (e.g., mumps).
The facial nerve forms a plexus in the gland without innervating it; saliva production is regulated by the glossopharyngeal nerve.
Parotid duct opens into the oral cavity adjacent to the upper second molar.

Trigeminal Neuralgia

A rare condition causing unilateral facial pain, triggered by light touch, more common in females and older adults.
Vascular compression is the primary cause in most cases; if untreated with medication, surgery may be considered, albeit at risk of complications.

Blood Supply and Venous Drainage

The primary blood supply to the face comes from the external carotid artery, which branches into various arteries supplying facial structures.
Facial veins generally parallel the arteries for drainage.

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Description

This quiz covers the surface anatomy of the face, including the musculature, veins, arteries, and nerves. It also explores the trigeminal nerve and facial nerve, including their origins and distribution.