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