Abstract: Objective To determine the safe range of mandibular osteotomy and improve the surgical safety by exploring the anatomy of the facial artery branches.Methods Eight corpses were dissected for both sides.The position where the facial artery turned out along the border of mandible,the distance between the submandibular gland artery and submental artery,the distance between the start of submental artery and the border of mandible were all measured to investigate the routines of Chinese facial artery and its branches submandibular gland artery and submental artery,and to compare the variation of bilateral routines.Results Facial artery turned out from lateral 1/3 between mandibular angle point and the intersection of the vertical line from mouth corner to the mandible border.The submental artery was turned out with an average distance of 1.05 cm below the border of mandible.The submandibular gland artery started with an average distance of 0.95 cm below the submental artery.Conclusion The reciprocate saw is relatively safe to use 1.05 cm away from the border of mandible.

Key words: Facial artery branches, Mandibular osteotomy, Anatomy