Anatomy of the Face

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.