The great auricular nerve is a sensory nerve that provides sensation to the skin around the ear. More specifically, it is a sensory branch from the cervical plexus that crosses the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle to supply sensation to the skin inferior to the external auditory meatus.
Great Auricular Nerve: Key Details
Here's a breakdown of important characteristics:
- Origin: The great auricular nerve originates from the cervical plexus, a network of nerves in the neck.
- Type: It is purely a sensory nerve, meaning it carries information about touch, temperature, and pain from the skin to the brain.
- Location: It crosses the sternocleidomastoid muscle, a prominent muscle in the neck.
- Area Supplied: The area supplied by the nerve includes the skin inferior to the external auditory meatus (the opening of the ear canal).
Clinical Significance
The great auricular nerve can be affected by various conditions, including:
- Nerve injury: Can occur during surgical procedures in the neck region.
- Nerve compression: Can be compressed by surrounding structures, leading to pain or numbness.
Identification
The great auricular nerve can be consistently found at a point 6.5 cm below the external auditory canal. This landmark is helpful for surgeons and clinicians needing to locate the nerve.
