Buccal Branch of the Facial Nerve

Description

Arising from the parotid plexus anterior to the external ear, the buccal branch of the facial nerve (CN VII) courses forward over the masseter and into the cheek, where it spreads in a fine arborization toward the oral commissure. Superiorly it interconnects with temporal and zygomatic branches as it approaches the lateral canthus and zygomatic arch region, while inferiorly it runs superficial to the buccinator toward the upper lip and angle of the mouth. Surrounding it, the orbicularis oculi and orbicularis oris frame the palpebral fissure and mouth, with additional perioral elevators and depressors layered in the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS). Small facial arteries and veins track nearby in the subcutaneous plane. Functionally, this branch carries motor fibers to muscles that shape the smile and upper lip, so its topography matters when you are correlating facial asymmetry with a peripheral facial palsy or planning incisions through the midface. Parotidectomy, facelift dissection, and repair of cheek lacerations all place the buccal branches at risk because they run superficial and variable as they cross the masseter and traverse toward the modiolus. Injury here does not numb the cheek, it weakens expression. Use this plate when teaching head and neck anatomy, facial expression musculature, and the distinction between facial nerve motor distribution and trigeminal sensory territories. It also suits operative anatomy figures for parotid surgery, rhytidectomy, and maxillofacial trauma documentation where accurate nerve course relative to mimetic muscles and superficial vessels is needed. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.