Dissection of left submaxillary (submandibular) gland and related structures

Branches of cervical plexus and facial nerve superficial to submaxillary gland

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Image #67-7

Dissection of left submaxillary (submandibular) gland and related structures

Branches of cervical plexus and facial nerve superficial to submaxillary gland

The left platysma (8) has been reflected anteriorly. The fascia which covered the sternocleidomastoid muscle (12) has been cut away but that which encases the submaxillary gland has been retained. Components of the extensive anastomosis between branches of the facial and cutaneous cervical nerves occupy much of the field.

1. Masseter muscle and parotidomasseteric fascia
2. Buccal branches of facial nerve
3. Anterior facial vein
4. Deep facial lymph nodes and lymph vessels
5. External maxillary artery
6. Marginal mandibular branches of facial nerve
7. Submandibular lymph node
8. Platysma (reflected)
9. Superficial fascia (external layer)
10. Remnant of superficial fascia which covered sternocleidomastoid muscle and continued superiorly as the parotidomasseteric fascia
11. Parotid gland
12. Sternocleidomastoid muscle
13. External jugular vein
14. Position of angle of mandible beneath masseter muscle
15. Superficial branch facial nerve
16. Branch cutaneous colli nerve (other branches visible superiorly)