Accessory nutrient foramen in the mandibular ramus

While numerous anatomical variations in the osteology of the mandible have been reported, the current case describes a unique nutrient foramen in terms of its location and function. During an anatomical dissection of the infratemporal fossa, an accessory nutrient foramen was found in the mandibular ramus of a 93-year-old male dentulous cadaver. An anomalous vein draining the masseter muscle traversed the foramen. This venous structure was traced into a nutrient canal located anterior to the mandibular canal. To our knowledge, the location and function of the accessory nutrient foramen and anomalous vein have never been previously reported. These unique characteristics make this accessory nutrient foramen clinically relevant. Knowledge of accessory foramen in the mandibular ramus and similar anatomical variations may reduce the risk of injury to traversing structures during numerous surgical procedures.