VARIATION IN THE BRANCHING PATTERN OF FACIAL ARTERY: PREMASSETERIC ARTERY

Arterial variations are uncommon. In the present case, the arterial variation observed was an additional branch of the facial artery arising from the main trunk while it crosses the base of the mandible. It ascended on the masseter and terminated into three branches. Knowledge of vascular variations will enhance the surgical precision, avoid misdiagnosis and prevent iatrogenic complications during surgical procedures of the face.