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Buccal Branch of the Facial Nerve

rami buccales nervi facialis

The buccal branches of the facial nerve emerge from the anterior parotid gland and cross the masseter to supply the buccinator, the zygomaticus major and minor, levator labii superioris, nasalis, and the superior orbicularis oris. The buccal branches have extensive anastomoses with the zygomatic branches, providing redundancy not present in the temporal or marginal mandibular branches. They are the dominant motor supply to the mid-facial muscles.

Region: Head & Skull

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The buccal branches are the most anastomotic and therefore most recoverable of the facial nerve branches — isolated buccal branch injury rarely produces permanent functional deficit because of anastomosis with zygomatic branches. Buccal branches are encountered in parotidectomy, buccal fat pad excision, and masseter Botox injection. In facial reanimation after complete facial palsy, the buccal branch branches to the zygomaticus major are the target for cross-face nerve grafting and direct muscle neurotisation, as they provide the primary smile motor unit.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Buccal Branch Preservation in Superficial Parotidectomy

The buccal branches cross the masseter superficial to the parotid fascia and are identified during the anterior dissection of the superficial parotidectomy; their multiple anastomoses with zygomatic branches mean that temporary neuropraxia of one or two buccal branches rarely produces permanent facial weakness, unlike injury to the temporal or marginal mandibular branches.