Nerve
Auriculotemporal nerve
V3 sensory pathway carrying fibers to the parotid
High-yield
The nerve belongs to V3, but its parotid secretomotor fibers originate through CN IX and synapse in the otic ganglion before joining it.
Overview
The auriculotemporal nerve links the mandibular nerve to the temple, parts of the ear and the temporomandibular joint. It passes behind the mandibular neck and ascends with the superficial temporal vessels. Its roots have a variable relationship to the middle meningeal artery.
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Reference facts
- Origin
- Usually from the posterior division of V3; two roots around the middle meningeal artery are the traditional description, with substantial variation
- Course
- Passes posteriorly near lateral pterygoid and the mandibular neck, then ascends between the temporomandibular joint and external acoustic meatus into the temporal region
- Motor
- Carries postganglionic parasympathetic fibers from the otic ganglion to the parotid; it is not a skeletal-muscle motor branch
- Sensory
- Parts of the auricle and tragus, external acoustic canal and outer tympanic membrane, temporomandibular joint, and temporal scalp
Clinical correlation
After parotid-region injury or surgery, regenerating secretomotor fibers may reach skin sweat glands and vessels. Food-related sweating and flushing over the area is the characteristic pattern of Frey syndrome.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the auriculotemporal nerve arise?
Usually from the posterior division of V3; two roots around the middle meningeal artery are the traditional description, with substantial variation.
What muscles does the auriculotemporal nerve supply?
Carries postganglionic parasympathetic fibers from the otic ganglion to the parotid; it is not a skeletal-muscle motor branch.
What is the sensory distribution of the auriculotemporal nerve?
Parts of the auricle and tragus, external acoustic canal and outer tympanic membrane, temporomandibular joint, and temporal scalp.
What is the course of the auriculotemporal nerve?
Passes posteriorly near lateral pterygoid and the mandibular neck, then ascends between the temporomandibular joint and external acoustic meatus into the temporal region.