Structure
- The posterior auricular nerve arises from the facial nerve (CN VII).
- It is the first branch outside of the skull.
- The origin is close to the stylomastoid foramen.
- It runs upward in front of the mastoid process.
- It is joined by a branch from the auricular branch of the vagus nerve (CN X).

Function
- The posterior auricular nerve supplies the posterior auricular muscle and the intrinsic muscles of the auricle.
- It gives sensation to the auricle.
- It also supplies the occipitalis muscle.

Clinical significance
- Nerve testing:
- The posterior auricular nerve can be tested by contraction of the occipitalis muscle.
- It can also be tested by sensation in the auricle.
- However, this testing is rarely performed.
- Biopsy:
- The posterior auricular nerve can be biopsied.
- This can be used to test for leprosy, which is important in diagnosis.

Related concepts
- Posterior auricular artery

References and external links
- References:
- This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 905 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918).
- Rea, Paul (2016). 2 - Head. Essential Clinically Applied Anatomy of the Peripheral Nervous System in the Head and Neck. Academic Press. pp. 21–130. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-803633-4.00002-8. ISBN 978-0-12-803633-4.
- Townley, William (2017). 50 - Immediate Facial Nerve Reconstruction Following Iatrogenic Injuries. Maxillofacial Surgery. Vol.1 (3rd ed.). Churchill Livingstone. pp. 707–713. doi:10.1016/B978-0-7020-6056-4.00051-4. ISBN 978-0-7020-6056-4.
- de Freitas, Marcos R. G.; Said, Gérard (2013). 28 - Leprous neuropathy. Handbook of Clinical Neurology. Vol.115. Elsevier. pp. 499–514. doi:10.1016/B978-0-444-52902-2.00028-X. ISBN 978-0-444-52902-2. ISSN 0072-9752. PMID 23931798.
- External links:
- Lesson4 at The Anatomy Lesson by Wesley Norman (Georgetown University) (parotid3)
- Cranialnerves at The Anatomy Lesson by Wesley Norman (Georgetown University) (VII)
- https://www.dartmouth.edu/~humananatomy/figures/chapter_47/47-5.HTM