Auricular branch of vagus nerve 2360768 166775956 2007-10-24T16:39:33Z Arcadian 104523 outline {{Infobox Nerve | Name = Alderman's nerve | Latin = ramus auricularis nervi vagi | GraySubject = 205 | GrayPage = 911 | Image = Gray791.png | Caption = Plan of upper portions of [[glossopharyngeal]], [[vagus]], and [[accessory nerve]]s. (Auricular labeled at top center.) | Innervates = | BranchFrom = [[vagus nerve]] | BranchTo = | MeshName = | MeshNumber = | DorlandsPre = r_02 | DorlandsSuf = 12689015 | }} The '''auricular branch of the [[vagus nerve]]''' is often termed the '''Alderman's nerve''' or '''Arnold's nerve'''. The latter name is an eponym for [[Friedrich Arnold]].<ref>{{WhoNamedIt|synd|258}}</ref> ==Path== It arises from the [[jugular ganglion]], and is joined soon after its origin by a filament from the [[petrous ganglion]] of the [[glossopharyngeal]]; it passes behind the [[internal jugular vein]], and enters the [[mastoid canaliculus]] on the lateral wall of the [[jugular fossa]]. Traversing the substance of the [[temporal bone]], it crosses the [[facial canal]] about 4 mm. above the [[stylomastoid foramen]], and here it gives off an ascending branch which joins the [[facial nerve]]. The nerve reaches the surface by passing through the [[tympanomastoid fissure]] between the mastoid process and the tympanic part of the temporal bone, and divides into two branches: * one joins the [[posterior auricular nerve]]. * the other is distributed to the skin of the back of the [[auricula]] and to the posterior part of the external [[acoustic meatus]]. ==Clinical significance== This nerve may be involved by the [[paraganglioma|glomus jugulare tumour]]. ==References== <references/> ==External links== * {{GPnotebook|-315293636}} * [http://128.134.207.22/scripts/home/pic_view.idc?name=CH6-PI60 Diagram] {{Gray's}} {{Cranial nerves}} [[Category:Cranial nerves]]