Embryology of the facial nerve and its clinical applications.

Although many studies have investigated facial nerve development, most have been limited by available specimens and have not provided a comprehensive description of the development of this important structure. Even the best and most comprehensive articles on this subject have not systematically integrated the descriptions of facial nerve embryology with a summary of the development of other otologic structures. This study describes the parallel development of the facial nerve and ear, emphasizing practical applications for the otologic surgeon. The validity of these predictions has been tested through surgical procedures on patients with malformed ears.