Communication of the transverse cervical nerve with the marginal mandibular nerve: a previously unreported anatomical variant

Abstract Communications between the transverse cervical nerve (C2 and 3) and the cervical branch of the facial nerve have been reported. We describe a case in which the transverse cervical nerve joined the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve. It was found during a selective neck dissection and to our knowledge is the first report of such a communication. We discuss the clinical relevance particularly in relation to confusion with the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve when operating in the submandibular region.