OBJECTIVETo investigate the route and scope of the facial nerve in the temporal region for clinical applications.

METHODSTemporal region dissection was performed on 12 cadavers (24 sides) under light microscope.

RESULTSThere are two branches of the facial nerve in the temporal region from the superior margin of the parotid: the temporal branch and the zygomatic branch. Each of them has two to five branches, which run in the deep layer of the superficial temporal fascia. The temporal branch crosses the zygomatic arch to the temporal region, innervating the frontal muscle, the orbicularis oculi muscle, the corrugator supercilii muscle, and the muscle surrounding the ear, etc. The zygomatic branch goes to the lateral canthus, innervating the orbicularis oculi muscle, the upper and lower eyelid and zygomatic muscles. There are communicating branches among the temporal branches, the zygomatic branches and the supraorbital and lacrimal nerves of the ophthalmic nerve.

CONCLUSIONThe temporal branches and zygomatic branches of the facial nerve run between the deep zone of the superficial temporal fascia and the superficial layer of the profound temporal fascia, where dissection should be avoided during rhytidectomy in order not to damage the facial nerve branches.