Quick version
The face is a complex anatomical region consisting of soft tissues, nerves, salivary glands, vessels, lymphatic structures and facial skeleton. The area is responsible for facial expressions, sensation, chewing function and saliva production and can be affected by inflammation, nerve damage, tumors or soft tissue changes that sometimes require imaging.
- Mainly consists of soft tissues, nerves and salivary glands
- Responsible for facial expressions, sensation and chewing function
- Can be affected by lumps, swelling and nerve pain
- Common conditions are salivary gland inflammation, trigeminal neuralgia and temporomandibular joint disorders
- Investigated with ultrasound, CT or MRI if necessary
What does the face include?
The face is a complex anatomical region that consists of skin, subcutaneous fat, facial muscles, salivary glands, vessels, nerves, lymph nodes and facial skeleton. The area contains several functionally important structures that are responsible for facial expressions, sensation, chewing function, saliva production and protection of the respiratory tract and eyes.
Unlike the sinuses, which are air-filled cavities in the skeleton, the face consists largely of soft tissue. It is precisely these soft tissues – muscles, nerves, glands and connective tissue – that often need to be examined in the event of lumps, swelling, pain or suspected tumors.
Anatomical structures of the face
- Mimic muscles: Responsible for facial expressions and innervated by the facial nerve.
- Trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V): Transmits sensation from the face.
- Salivary glands: Parotid, submandibular and sublingual glands produce saliva.
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ): Joint between the lower jaw and the temporal bone.
- Blood vessels and lymph nodes: Supply and drain facial tissues.
- Skin and subcutaneous tissue: Contains fat, connective tissue and superficial vascular structures.
Functions
The face has both functional and neurological tasks. It enables facial expressions and communication, processing of food via masticatory muscles, sensory transmission via cranial nerves, and saliva production for digestion and protection of the oral cavity. The region is also richly vascularized and has a complex lymphatic system.
Common medical questions
Facial problems can arise in several different tissue types. Since the area contains both soft tissues, nerves, and glands, imaging diagnostics are often required to distinguish between inflammation, cysts, tumors, or nerve damage.
- Nodule or swelling in soft tissues.
- Pain or tingling in the face (neuralgia).
- Change in salivary gland with suspicion of inflammation or tumor.
- Temporomandibular joint problems with pain or locking.
- Deep infection or abscess.
- Complication after aesthetic injections (e.g. fillers).
Examination and diagnostics
Clinical examination includes palpation of soft tissues, assessment of nerve function and inspection of skin and mucous membranes. If necessary, this is supplemented with imaging diagnostics. Ultrasound is often used for superficial changes, while computed tomography (CT) is better for bone structures. is particularly valuable when detailed assessment of soft tissues, nerve structures and deeper tissue is needed.
Common conditions in the facial region
- Sialitis
- Sial gland tumors
- Trigeminal neuralgia
- Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD/TMJ)
- Cysts and soft tissue tumors
- Infections or abscesses
Relevant symptoms
- Unilateral facial swelling
- Nodule or induration
- Numbness or nerve pain
- Pain when chewing or yawning
- Persistent swelling after infection or injection treatment
Related examinations
- Ultrasound of soft tissues
- CT facial skeleton
- MRI Sinus
- MRI Brain (in case of central nervous system involvement)