4. Control of Face and Scalp

Question 1

What nerve roots supply the angle of the mandible, the pinna and the neck?

Answer 1

C2-C4

Question 2

Name a common site for local anaesthesia in the face.

Answer 2

Infraorbital foramen

Question 3

Name some of the muscles of facial expression and their action.

Answer 3

• Orbicularis oculi -> Closes eyelids and assists flow of lacrimal fluid by closing palpebral fissure
• Orbicularis oris -> Sphincter of oral opening
• Buccinator -> Presses cheek against molar teeth when chewing and expels air from oral cavity as occurs when playing a wind instrument

Question 4

What is Bell’s palsy and how might it occur?

Answer 4

• Damage to the facial nerve
• It can be due to herpes zoster in the middle ear

Question 5

Aside from Bell’s palsy, when else may the facial nerve be damaged?

Answer 5

In the parotid region during surgery