Auriculotemporal nerve
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| Nerve: Auriculotemporal nerve | ||
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| Sympathetic connections of the otic and superior cervical ganglia. (Auriculotemporal labeled at top right.) | ||
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| Distribution of the maxillary and mandibular nerves, and the submaxillary ganglion. | ||
| Latin | n. auriculotemporalis | |
| Gray's | subject #200 895 | |
| From | mandibular nerve | |
The auriculotemporal nerve is a branch of the mandibular nerve that runs with the superficial temporal artery and vein, and provides sensory innervation to various regions on the side of the head.
[edit] Structure
The auriculotemporal nerve arises as two roots from the posterior division of the mandibular nerve. These roots encircle the middle meningeal artery. The roots then converge to form a single nerve.
The auriculotemporal nerve passes medially to the neck of the mandible and then turns superiorly, posterior to its head and anterior to the auricle. It then crosses over the root of the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, deep to the superficial temporal artery.
It supplies the auricle, external acoustic meatus, outer side of the tympanic membrane, and the skin in the temporal region.
It also carries postganglionic parasympathetic fibers from the otic ganglion to the parotid gland.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
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