Auricular branch

Auricular Branch

The auricular branch is a term used in anatomy to refer to a specific branch of a nerve or artery that supplies or innervates the ear. There are several auricular branches in the human body, each associated with different nerves and arteries.

Auricular Branch of Vagus Nerve

The auricular branch of the vagus nerve (also known as Arnold's nerve) is a branch of the vagus nerve that provides sensory innervation to a part of the external ear. It is named after Friedrich Arnold, a German anatomist who first described it.

Auricular Branch of Posterior Auricular Artery

The auricular branch of the posterior auricular artery is a branch of the posterior auricular artery that supplies blood to the posterior part of the ear and the adjacent area of the scalp.

Auricular Branch of Occipital Artery

The auricular branch of the occipital artery is a branch of the occipital artery that supplies blood to the posterior part of the ear.

Clinical Significance

The auricular branches play a significant role in various clinical conditions. For instance, irritation or damage to the auricular branch of the vagus nerve can lead to a condition known as Arnold's ear-cough reflex, where stimulation of the external ear causes a cough.

See Also

• Vagus nerve
• Posterior auricular artery
• Occipital artery
• Arnold's ear-cough reflex