ArticleJournal of advanced research2023
Newly identified axon types of the facial nerve unveil supplemental neural pathways in the innervation of the face.
Article in Journal of advanced research, 2023. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 11 papers.
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Who cites it
11 citing papers in PubMed, 16 citations in OpenAlex.
- Layer-specific neuroanatomical architecture of the quadratus lumborum: a quantitative study using 3D micro-CT and immunofluorescence staining.Surgical and radiologic anatomy : SRA · 2026Article
- Trigeminal-Facial Nerve Anatomical Connections and Their Clinical Value: A Narrative Review.Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) · 2026Review
- Trapezius fascia reveals mechanosensory capacity and predominance of nociceptive axons in occipital neuralgia.Scientific reports · 2026Article
- The glabella tap reflex reveals fluctuations in the hyperexcitability of the facial nucleus with hemifacial spasm: a prospective observational study.Neurosurgical review · 2025Observational
- The Labiomandibular Fold Anatomy for Comprehensive Lower Facial Rejuvenation: A Micro-Computed Tomography Investigation.Aesthetic plastic surgery · 2025Article
- Sympathetic innervation in skeletal muscle and its role at the neuromuscular junction.Journal of muscle research and cell motility · 2024Review
- Peripheral neural interfaces: Skeletal muscles are hyper-reinnervated according to the axonal capacity of the surgically rewired nerves.Science advances · 2024Article
- The differences in the anatomy of the thoracolumbar and sacral autonomic outflow are quantitative.Clinical autonomic research : official journal of the Clinical Autonomic Research Society · 2024Review
- Subjective evaluation of facial asymmetry with three-dimensional simulated images among the orthodontists and laypersons: a cross-sectional study.BMC oral health · 2023Article
- Axonal mapping of the motor cranial nerves.Frontiers in neuroanatomy · 2023Article
- Autonomic Nerve Fibers Aberrantly Reinnervate Denervated Facial Muscles and Alter Muscle Fiber Population.The Journal of neuroscience : the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience · 2022Article
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Authors and funding
16 authors at 4 institutions in 4 countries.
Funding
Abstract
introductionNeuromuscular control of the facial expressions is provided exclusively via the facial nerve. Facial muscles are amongst the most finely tuned effectors in the human motor system, which coordinate facial expressions. In lower vertebrates, the extracranial facial nerve is a mixed nerve, while in mammals it is believed to be a pure motor nerve. However, this established notion does not agree with several clinical signs in health and disease.
objectivesTo elucidate the facial nerve contribution to the facial muscles by investigating axonal composition of the human facial nerve. To reveal new innervation pathways of other axon types of the motor facial nerve.
methodsDifferent axon types were distinguished using specific molecular markers (NF, ChAT, CGRP and TH). To elucidate the functional role of axon types of the facial nerve, we used selective elimination of other neuronal support from the trigeminal nerve. We used retrograde neuronal tracing, three-dimensional imaging of the facial muscles, and high-fidelity neurophysiological tests in animal model.
resultsThe human facial nerve revealed a mixed population of only 85% motor axons. Rodent samples revealed a fiber composition of motor, afferents and, surprisingly, sympathetic axons. We confirmed the axon types by tracing the originating neurons in the CNS. The sympathetic fibers of the facial nerve terminated in facial muscles suggesting autonomic innervation. The afferent fibers originated in the facial skin, confirming the afferent signal conduction via the facial nerve.
conclusionThese findings reveal new innervation pathways via the facial nerve, support the sympathetic etiology of hemifacial spasm and elucidate clinical phenomena in facial nerve regeneration.
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