Superficial Nerves

The distribution of the cutaneous nerves follows the general pattern (see Figs. 8.69 and 8.70). The dorsal branch (Fig. 11.6A/7) of the facial nerve runs across the dorsal half of the masseter. The ventral branch takes the more protected course along the ventral edge. They are joined by communicating branches at the rostral border of the muscle. The auriculopalpebral branch of the facial nerve (Fig. 11.6/6) passes across the zygomatic arch, where it can be blocked to eliminate blinking (orbicularis oculi muscle) during examination of the eye.