Parotid plexus

The parotid plexus or pes anserinus ("goose's foot") or plexus parotideus is the branch point of the facial nerve (extratemporal) after it leaves the stylomastoid foramen. This division takes place within the parotid gland.

Parotid plexus
Plan of the facial and intermediate nerves and their communication with other nerves. (Branches of facial nerve visible at bottom center.)
The nerves of the scalp, face, and side of neck. (Parotid plexus not labeled, but visible near ear.)
Details
Identifiers
Latinplexus parotideus
TAA14.2.01.108
FMA77530
Anatomical terms of neuroanatomy

Branches

Commonly, it divides into the following branches (several variations):

  1. The temporal branches, cross the zygomatic arch to the temporal region.
  2. The zygomatic branches, cross the zygomatic bone to the orbit.
  3. The buccal branches, pass forward to below the orbit and around the mouth.
  4. The marginal mandibular branch passes forward to the lower lip and chin.
  5. The cervical branch runs forward forming a series of arches over the suprahyoid region to the platysma muscle.[1]

References
  1. Snell, Richard S. (2007). Clinical anatomy by systems. Hagerstwon, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. ISBN 0-7817-9164-2.


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