Buccal branch of the facial nerve

Buccal branch of the facial nerve

The Buccal branch of the facial nerve is a nerve that controls facial expressions. It is one of the branches of the seventh cranial nerve or the facial nerve, which is responsible for the motor innervation of the muscles of facial expression.

Anatomy

The buccal branch of the facial nerve arises from the facial nerve after it exits the Stylomastoid foramen. It then travels forward, superficial to the parotid gland and the masseter muscle, to reach the muscles of the upper and lower lip. It provides motor innervation to several muscles, including the buccinator, the orbicularis oris, and the muscles of the upper and lower lip.

Function

The buccal branch of the facial nerve is primarily responsible for controlling the muscles of facial expression in the cheek area. It allows for movements such as smiling, frowning, and puckering of the lips. It also plays a role in the movement of food during mastication by innervating the buccinator muscle, which helps to push food between the teeth.

Clinical significance

Damage to the buccal branch of the facial nerve can result in facial paralysis or weakness on the affected side of the face. This can lead to difficulties with facial expressions and eating. The most common cause of such damage is Bell's palsy, a condition that causes sudden, temporary weakness or paralysis of the muscles on one side of the face. Other causes can include stroke, Lyme disease, and surgical trauma.

See also

• Facial nerve
• Buccinator muscle
• Orbicularis oris muscle