An anatomical, morphological and electrophysiological study of the rabbit facial nerve in the temporal bone.

Anatomical, histological and electrophysiological features of the rabbit facial nerve in the temporal bone are described for research purposes. Based upon the findings the rabbit intratemporal facial nerve is surgically accessible and consists of a constant axon number and myelin sheath thickness. As a valid model the rabbit intratemporal nerve can be readily utilized for research studies in nerve regeneration pertinent to the facial nerve in this region.