An anatomical study of the facial artery

Ann Plast Surg. 1988 Jul;21(1):14-22. doi: 10.1097/00000637-198807000-00003.

Abstract

The anatomical variations encountered in the dissection of 50 facial arteries in 25 adult preserved cadavers are presented. The facial artery was symmetrical in 17 of 25 (68%) of the dissections. The facial artery terminated as an angular facial artery in 34 (68%), a lateral nasal vessel in 13 (26%), and a superior labial vessel in 2 (4%); in 1 (2%) the facial artery terminated at the alar base. A longer course was identified in 5 (10%) facial arteries. The use of nasolabial flap (skin, full-thickness, and oral mucosa) raised as an island flap based on the facial artery or one its branches is discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Arteries / anatomy & histology
  • Face / blood supply*
  • Face / surgery
  • Humans
  • Methods
  • Surgical Flaps