Great Auricular Nerve - Podcast Version 0:00 / 0:00 1x 0.25x 0.5x 0.75x 1x 1.25x 1.5x 1.75x 2x The great auricular nerve is a sensory neck of the head and neck. It is the largest ascending branch of the cervical plexus. It supplies sensation to the skin overlying the external ear, mastoid process, and parotid gland. Pro Feature - 3D Model You've Discovered a Pro Feature Access our 3D Model Library Explore, cut, dissect, annotate and manipulate our 3D models to visualise anatomy in a dynamic, interactive way. Learn More Course The great auricular nerve arises from the ventral rami of the C2 and C3 spinal roots within the cervical plexus. It emerges approximately halfway along the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle at Erb’s point. It then ascends vertically across the muscle, accompanied by the external jugular vein. When it reaches the inferior pole of the parotid gland, the great auricular nerve terminates by dividing into anterior and posterior branches. By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2026) Fig 1Course of the great auricular nerve after arising from the cervical plexus. Pro Feature - Dissection Atlas Prosection 1 - The great auricular nerve after its origin from the cervical plexus. It is accompanied by the external jugular vein. Prosection 1 - The great auricular nerve after its origin from the cervical plexus. It is accompanied by the external jugular vein. You've Discovered a Pro Feature Access our Dissection Image Library Enhance your understanding with high-resolution dissection images showcasing real-life anatomy. Learn More Supply The great auricular nerve supplies sensation via its two terminal branches: Anterior branch (facial branch) – supplies the skin overlying the parotid glands. Posterior branch (mastoid branch) – supplies the skin overlying the mastoid process and the posterior aspect of the external ear. Frequent questions What is the great auricular nerve? The great auricular nerve is the largest ascending branch of the cervical plexus, responsible for providing sensory innervation to the skin over the external ear, mastoid process, and parotid gland. Where does the great auricular nerve originate? The great auricular nerve originates from the ventral rami of the C2 and C3 spinal roots within the cervical plexus, emerging at Erb’s point along the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. What areas does the great auricular nerve supply sensation to? The great auricular nerve supplies sensation to the skin overlying the external ear, the mastoid process, and the parotid gland through its anterior and posterior branches. What are the branches of the great auricular nerve? The great auricular nerve divides into two terminal branches: the anterior branch, which innervates the skin over the parotid glands, and the posterior branch, which provides sensation to the skin over the mastoid process and the posterior aspect of the external ear. What is the clinical significance of the great auricular nerve? Understanding the great auricular nerve is important in surgeries involving the neck and parotid gland, as damage to this nerve can lead to sensory loss in the areas it innervates. Rate This Article