[VARIANTS OF THE INFRAORBITAL NERVE BRANCHING].

The aim of the study was to identify the variants of location and branching of the infraorbital nerve (ION) in the infraorbital canal. Using V. P. Vorobyov macromicroscopic method, the head of 23 individuals (11 males, 12 females) ranging in age from newborn to 74 years, was dissected. It was found that ION divided into branches at the level of the inferior orbital fissure, in the beginning of the infraorbital furrow, infraorbital canal, infraorbital foramen and after its emergence from the infraorbital foramen. In some preparations, the additional infraorbital foramina were noted, containing the emerging branches of ION. In 15 preparations ION consisted of 1 trunk and divided into branches in the infraorbital foramen or 3–6 mm distal to it (the magistral type of branching). In 8 cases ION gave 2 or more trunks within the orbital cavity (the dissipated type of branching). Additional infraorbital foramina in most cases had a rounded or roundedflattened form. The data on variants of the structure and topography of the additional infraorbital foramina are presented.