Posterior auricular nerve

Posterior Auricular Nerve

The Posterior Auricular Nerve is a branch of the Facial Nerve that supplies the auricle and the posterior part of the scalp.

Etymology

The term "Posterior Auricular Nerve" is derived from Latin words 'posterior' meaning 'back' or 'behind', 'auricular' meaning 'pertaining to the ear' and 'nerve' meaning 'a whitish fibre or bundle of fibres in the body that transmits impulses of sensation to the brain or spinal cord, and impulses from these to the muscles and organs'.

Anatomy

The Posterior Auricular Nerve arises close to the Stylomastoid foramen, and ascends posteriorly between the external acoustic meatus and the Mastoid process. It then divides into two branches: the Auricular Branch and the Occipital Branch.

Auricular Branch

The Auricular Branch supplies the auricle and the posterior part of the external acoustic meatus.

Occipital Branch

The Occipital Branch supplies the area of the scalp posterior to the auricle.

Clinical Significance

Damage to the Posterior Auricular Nerve can result in loss of sensation in the area supplied by the nerve. This can occur due to trauma, surgery, or diseases such as Bell's palsy.

Related Terms

• Facial Nerve
• Auricle
• Stylomastoid foramen
• External Acoustic Meatus
• Mastoid process
• Bell's palsy

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