Comprehensive anatomical dissection procedure with special reference to the layer-structured facial muscles and fasciae and mouth floor.

OBJECTIVES: Conventional head and neck practice procedures fail to address several clinical issues. Anatomical structures were removed from the surface layers in that order, and the dissection was shifted to the deeper layer. This approach makes it difficult for medical and dental students to understand the relationships among various anatomical structures. Furthermore, it is difficult to determine the risk on the mandibular nerves and blood vessels during conventional mandible removal procedures. This study aims to develop an anatomical technique that maintains the skin, superficial facial muscles/fasciae, and mandibles, and to reveal the relationships among the bones, muscles, fasciae, blood vessels, and nerves of the face and floor of the mouth.

METHODS: A total of 43 human cadavers were examined during gross anatomy courses at Niigata University from 2018 to 2022.

RESULTS: Using this dissection method, students were able to understand the relationship between the facial muscles/fasciae, nerves, blood vessels, and muscles without removing the skin. Furthermore, this dissection helps surgeons to understand the risk of nerve and vascular damage during surgery as well as the efficiency of facelift methods.

CONCLUSIONS: This study provided a clarity on anatomical dissection in the head and neck region and the relationship between anatomical structures from a clinical perspective.