AnatomyHead and neckFace and scalpGreat auricular nerve

AnatomyHead and neckFace and scalpGreat auricular nerve

Great auricular nerve

Author: Gordana Sendić, MD • Reviewer: Jana Vasković, MD
Last reviewed: November 03, 2023
Reading time: 4 minutes

Great auricular nerve

The great auricular nerve is a superficial nerve of the neck that arises from the cervical plexus. It arises from the anterior rami of spinal nerves C2 and C3, and is the largest ascending branch of the cervical plexus.

Along its course, the great auricular nerve emerges on the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle at the Erb’s point, which is the site where all cutaneous branches of the cervical plexus converge and become superficial. The great auricular nerve supplies the skin of the auricle, as well as the area overlying the parotid gland and mastoid process.

This article will discuss the anatomy and function of the great auricular nerve.

Key facts about the great auricular nerve
Origin	Cervical plexus (C2, C3)
Branches	Anterior branch of great auricular nerve, posterior branch of great auricular nerve
Supply	Skin of the auricle, skin over the parotid gland and mastoid process

Contents

Origin and course
Branches and innervation
Clinical relations
1. Frey’s syndrome
Sources

+ Show all

Origin and course

The great auricular nerve is the largest ascending branch of cervical plexus, arising from the anterior rami of spinal nerves C2 and C3. The nerve arises just behind the middle portion of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and shortly thereafter curves around its posterior border and emerges on the muscle’s anterior surface. Here, the great auricular nerve perforates the deep cervical fascia and takes an ascending course, passing under the platysma muscle along the external jugular vein. As it reaches the parotid gland, the great auricular nerve divides into its terminal branches.

The Erb’s point, or punctum nervosum, is the site where all the cutaneous branches of the cervical plexus converge, pierce the deep cervical fascia and become superficial. Aside from the great auricular nerve, these branches also include lesser occipital, transverse cervical and supraclavicular.

The nervous system is a nightmare for many. Try out nervous system quizzes and diagrams and soon you will see there’s nothing to be afraid of!

Branches and innervation

The great auricular nerve gives off two terminal branches:

The anterior branch, also called the facial branch, which innervates the skin over the parotid gland. This branch immerses into the substance of the parotid gland, where it establishes a connection with the facial nerve.
The posterior branch, also called the mastoid branch, which supplies the skin over the mastoid process and the posterior surface of the auricle. This branch gives off a small lateral filament, which supplies the lobule and concha. Along its course, the posterior branch communicates with the lesser occipital nerve, the auricular branch of vagus nerve (CN X) and the auricular branch of posterior auricular nerve.

Learn more about the great auricular nerve here.

Clinical relations

Frey’s syndrome

Frey’s syndrome is a rare neurological disorder characterized by the occurrence of sweating and flushing on the cheek area adjacent to the ear in response to eating and salivation. The disorder can result due to several causes, often as a complication of surgeries that involve the parotid gland. It is believed that the connection established between the facial nerve (parasympathetic innervation) and the great auricular nerve (sensory innervation) via its anterior branch might be part of the anatomical basis of this disorder.

Sources

All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines.

References:

Standring, S. (2016). Gray's Anatomy (41st ed.). Edinburgh: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone.
Netter, F. (2019). Atlas of Human Anatomy (7th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Saunders.
Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2014). Clinically Oriented Anatomy (7th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD). National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. 2011.

Illustrators:

Great auricular nerve (Anterior view) - Yousun Koh

Great auricular nerve: want to learn more about it?

Our engaging videos, interactive quizzes, in-depth articles and HD atlas are here to get you top results faster.

What do you prefer to learn with?

Videos Quizzes Both

“I would honestly say that Kenhub cut my study time in half.” – Read more.

Kim Bengochea, Regis University, Denver

© Unless stated otherwise, all content, including illustrations are exclusive property of Kenhub GmbH, and are protected by German and international copyright laws. All rights reserved.

Register now and grab your free ultimate anatomy study guide!