The relationship of the fronto-temporal branches of the facial nerve to the fascias of the temporal region:: a literature review applied to practical anatomical dissection

The understanding of the course of the facial nerve and its relationship to the different connective tissue layers in the temporal area is paramount to preserving this nerve during surgery. But the use of different nomenclatures for anatomical structures such as for the different fascial layers or fat pads in the temporal region as well as the difference in description of the course of the fronto-temporal branches of the facial nerve in relationship to the fascial layers can lead to confusion. Therefore we have reviewed the literature about this topic and tried to apply the information to practical anatomical dissection.