Great auricular nerve
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Arcadian
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{{Infobox Nerve |
Name = {{PAGENAME}} |
Latin = nervus auricularis magnus |
GraySubject = 210 |
GrayPage = 926 |
Image = Gray805.png |
Caption = The nerves of the [[scalp]], [[face]], and side of [[neck]]. (Great auricular visible below ear.) |
Image2 = Gray804.png |
Caption2 = Plan of the [[cervical plexus]]. (Great auricular labeled at top center.) |
Innervates = |
BranchFrom = [[Cervical plexus]] (C2-C3) |
BranchTo = |
MeshName = |
MeshNumber = |
DorlandsPre = n_05 |
DorlandsSuf = 12565226 |
}}
The '''great auricular nerve''' originates from the [[cervical plexus]], composed of branches of [[spinal nerve]]s C2 and C3. It provides sensory innervation for the skin over [[parotid gland]] and [[mastoid]] process, and both surfaces of the [[outer ear]].
==Terminology==
Although this nerve is frequently referred to as the "greater" auricular nerve, this is not the proper nomenclature since there is no "lesser" auricular nerve. Great refers to the distinction between it and the posterior auricular nerve, which is the less influential of the two.
==Path==
It the largest of the ascending branches. It arises from the second and third cervical nerves, winds around the posterior border of the [[Sternocleidomastoideus]], and, after perforating the deep fascia, ascends upon that muscle beneath the [[Platysma]] to the [[parotid gland]], where it divides into an anterior and a posterior branch.
==Branches==
* The '''anterior branch''' (ramus anterior; facial branch) is distributed to the skin of the face over the [[parotid gland]], and communicates in the substance of the gland with the [[facial nerve]].
* The '''posterior branch''' (ramus posterior; mastoid branch) supplies the skin over the [[mastoid process]] and on the back of the [[auricula]], except at its upper part; a filament pierces the auricula to reach its lateral surface, where it is distributed to the [[lobule]] and lower part of the [[concha]]. The posterior branch communicates with the [[smaller occipital]], the [[auricular branch of the vagus]], and the [[posterior auricular branch of the facial]].
==Additional images==
<gallery>
Image:Gray784.png|Dermatome distribution of the trigeminal nerve
Image:Gray1210.png|Side of neck, showing chief surface markings.
</gallery>
==External links==
* [http://www.aapmr.org/zimages/education/case65_b.jpg Diagram at aapmr.org]
* {{SUNYAnatomyFigs|25|03|03}} - "Diagram of the cervical plexus."
{{Gray's}}}
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{{Cervical plexus}}
[[Category:Nervous system]]
[[de:Nervus auricularis magnus]]