Transverse facial branch

The transverse facial branch, parallels the transverse facial vessels, supplies the skin of the cheek. It is the terminal part of the auriculotemporal nerve, after the emission of all other branches. When it exits the parotid gland, at the level of its rostral border, it becomes superficial and divides into two types of branches: small branches innervating the skin of the zygomatic region (called superficial temporal nerves in the carnivore and Man); and communicating branches with facial nerve (variable according to the species).