Parotid Region & Facial Nerve

Question 1

Describe the anatomy, function & innervation of the parotid gland

Answer 1

Anatomy:
- Anterior to ear and inferior to zygomatic arch.
- Enclosed in parotid sheath
- Parotid duct pierces the buccinator to enter oral cavity near upper 2nd molar

Function:
- Serous secretions (largest salivary gland)

Innervation:
Glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX)

Question 2

What is the clinical significance of the parotid gland?

Answer 2

• If theres swelling of parotid gland, can result in mumps
• Tumours of parotid gland can impact facial nerve resulting in facial palsy if damaged

Question 3

What main nerve in the face is beside the parotid gland and can be affected?

Answer 3

Facial Nerve (CN VII)

Question 4

Describe the course of the facial nerve and its divisions

Answer 4

Posterior auricular nerve

Temporal branch

Zygomatic branch

buccal branches

marginal mandibular branch

cervical branch

(pneumonic - The zebras big massive cock) [just remember posterior auricular]

Question 5

What areas are innervated by the temporal branch of CN VII?

Answer 5

Muscles of templem, forehead, and supra-orbital area

Question 6

What areas are innervated by the zygomatic branch of CN VII?

Answer 6

Muscles of infra-orbital area, lateral nasal area, upper lip

Question 7

What areas are innervated by the buccal branch of CN VII?

Answer 7

muscles of cheek, upper lip, corner of mouth

Question 8

What areas are innervated by the marginal mandibular branch of CN VII?

Answer 8

muscles of lower lip & chin

Question 9

What areas are innervated by the cervical branch of CN VII?

Answer 9

platysma

Question 10

what is bell’s palsy, the symptoms, main causes and possible treatment options?

Answer 10

Bell’s palsy is most common type of facial paralysis

Symptoms: paralysis in both upper & lower parts of face (unilateral) [example - inability to close eyelid]

Main causes: Largely unknown but infections and inflammation/swelling around the facial nerve inhibiting it

Treatment: Steroids, anti-viral for infection. Eye treatment like eyedrops and eyepatch to protect

Long term paralysis may need surgical treatment