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Marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve

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From
  
facial nerve

TA
  
A14.2.01.113

Dorlands /Elsevier
  
r_02/12690722

FMA
  
53365

Marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve

Latin
  
ramus marginalis mandibularis nervi facialis

The marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve passes forward beneath the platysma and depressor anguli oris, supplying the muscles of the lower lip and chin, and communicating with the mental branch of the inferior alveolar nerve.

Contents

Muscles innervated

The marginal mandibular branch innervates the following muscles:

  • Depressor labii inferioris - lowers bottom lip down and laterally. Origin: Anterior part of oblique line of mandible. Insertion: Lower lip at midline, blends with muscle from opposite side.
  • Depressor anguli oris (triangularis) - lowers the corner of the mouth down and laterally. Origin: Oblique line of mandible below canine, premolar, and first molar teeth. Insertion: Skin at the corner of mouth and blending with orbicularis oris.
  • Mentalis - raises and protrudes lower lip as it wrinkles skin on chin. Origin: Mandible inferior to incisor teeth. Insertion: Skin of chin.

    • Clinical significance

    The marginal mandibular nerve may be injured during surgery in the neck region, especially during excision of the submandibular salivary gland or during neck dissections.

    References

    Marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve Wikipedia
    (Text) CC BY-SA