Anomalies of muscles in the parotid area - A contribution to parotid surgery

Abstract

Anomalous muscles in the parotid area may be derived from platysma fibres migrating to ventral or dorsal. We describe a M. occipito-parotideus with its origin in the back of the neck crossing the upper part of the M. sternocleidomastoideus and inserting the fascia parotidea. This muscle may irritate the surgeon preparing the muscular landmarks of parotid and facial nerve surgery.