Anatomical Course and Branching Pattern of the Facial Nerve in Nigerian Cadavers at the University of Ibadan

The facial nerve is the principal motor nerve of the face, controlling the muscles of facial expression through its five terminal branches. Iatrogenic injury to this nerve during parotid surgery, mastoidectomy, and facelift procedures represents a serious complication with significant functional and psychological consequences. Variations in the intratemporal and extratemporal course of the facial nerve may predispose patients to inadvertent surgical injury if the surgeon relies on non-population-specific anatomical knowledge. This study aims to document the course and branching pattern of the facial nerve in Nigerian cadavers at the University of Ibadan, South West Nigeria. Systematic dissection of the parotid region and temporal bone will be performed in cadaveric specimens, and the branching pattern of the facial nerve will be classified according to the Davis and Katz classification systems. Frequency of each variant and bilateral asymmetry will be statistically analysed. The study anticipates providing Nigerian-specific data on facial nerve anatomy that will benefit otolaryngologists, oral surgeons, and plastic surgeons by improving awareness of variant anatomy and reducing the risk of iatrogenic facial nerve palsy.

Keywords: facial nerve, branching pattern, parotid surgery, anatomical variation, University of Ibadan