Auricular branch of vagus nerve
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166775956
2007-10-24T16:39:33Z
Arcadian
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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]]