Great auricular nerve

Great Auricular Nerve

The Great Auricular Nerve is a nerve that arises from the Cervical Plexus, a network of nerve fibers that originates in the upper part of the spinal cord. It is primarily responsible for providing sensory innervation to the skin over both the parotid gland and the ear.

Etymology

The term "Great Auricular" is derived from the Latin words "auris", meaning ear, and "magnus", meaning great. This is in reference to the nerve's primary function of supplying the skin over the ear.

Anatomy

The Great Auricular Nerve originates from the Cervical Plexus, specifically from the ventral rami of the second and third cervical nerves (C2 and C3). It ascends along the posterior border of the Sternocleidomastoid muscle, then curves around the muscle to reach the parotid gland and the skin over the ear.

Function

The Great Auricular Nerve is a sensory nerve. It provides sensation to the skin over the parotid gland and the ear, including the earlobe and part of the external auditory meatus. It also supplies the skin over the mastoid process and the area extending from the angle of the jaw to the mastoid process.

Clinical Significance

Damage to the Great Auricular Nerve can result in loss of sensation in the areas it supplies. This can occur due to surgical procedures involving the neck or parotid gland, or due to trauma to the neck.

Related Terms

• Cervical Plexus
• Sternocleidomastoid
• Parotid Gland
• Mastoid Process

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