Left lateral temporal and parotid regions. The scalp has been reflected but temporalis fascia covers the temporalis muscle. The auricle and posterior aspects of the parotid gland have been removed to visualize the terminal branches of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) exiting the stylomastoid foramen. The temporal branches of the facial nerve ascend with the superficial temporal vessels toward the frontalis muscle. Zygomatic branches run obliquely to the lateral corner of the eye and buccal branches of the facial nerve course with the parotid duct. The retromandibular vein lies just deep to the facial nerve within the substance of the parotid gland. (Image courtesy of AL Rhoton, Jr.)