Microsurgical anatomy of the inferior alveolar neurovascular plexus

Surg Radiol Anat. 1993;15(3):175-9. doi: 10.1007/BF01627698.

Abstract

Microdissection of the cadaveric human inferior neurovascular bundle showed that the inferior alveolar nerve after its origin from the mandibular division forms what can only be described as a plexus. The main trunk of the inferior alveolar nerve exhibits a branching structure reminiscent of the brachial plexus of the upper limb. This plexus-like nature is compounded by delicate interweaving of the inferior alveolar artery. Study of external carotid angiograms showed a general decrease in size of the inferior alveolar artery with increase in age.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging / pathology
  • Arteries / anatomy & histology
  • Dissection
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mandible / blood supply*
  • Mandible / innervation
  • Mandibular Nerve / anatomy & histology*
  • Mandibular Nerve / blood supply
  • Microsurgery