Innervation of Orbicularis Oculi by Trochlear Nerve: Word of Caution.
Publication Title
World Neurosurg
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
9-1-2018
Keywords
Cavernous sinus; Nerve palsy; Orbicularis oculi; Orbit; Supratrochlear; Trochlear; Aged; Biological Variation, Individual; Facial Muscles/anatomy & histology; Facial Muscles/innervation; Facial Muscles/surgery; Female; Humans; Orbit/anatomy & histology; Orbit/innervation; Orbit/surgery; Trigeminal Nerve/anatomy & histology; Trigeminal Nerve/surgery; Trochlear Nerve/anatomy & histology; Trochlear Nerve/surgery
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Neurosurgeons who operate in and around the pathway of the ocular nerves should have good knowledge of not only their normal anatomy but also their variations.
CASE DESCRIPTION: During routine dissection of the orbits in an adult cadaver, an aberrant branch of the right trochlear nerve continued on to innervate the orbicularis oculi muscle. In this case, the trochlear nerve also provided a branch to the supratrochlear nerve.
CONCLUSIONS: Surgeons who operate along the pathway of the trochlear nerve such as the cavernous sinus should be aware of such an anatomic variant in order to avoid unwanted complications such as weakness of the orbicularis oculi muscle.
Area of Special Interest
Neurosciences (Brain & Spine)
Specialty/Research Institute
Neurosciences
