El nervio auricular mayor es un nervio sensitivo de la cabeza y el cuello. Es el ramo ascendente más grande del plexo cervical. Proporciona sensibilidad a la piel que recubre el oído externo, la apófisis mastoides y la glándula parótida. 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 Trayecto El nervio auricular mayor se origina en los ramos ventrales de las raíces raquídeas C2 y C3, dentro del plexo cervical. Surge aproximadamente a la mitad del borde posterior del músculo esternocleidomastoideo en el punto de Erb. A continuación, asciende verticalmente a lo largo del músculo, en paralelo a la vena yugular externa. Al llegar al polo inferior de la glándula parótida, el nervio auricular mayor se ramifica en dos ramos: el anterior y el posterior. By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2026) Fig. 1: trayecto del nervio auricular mayor tras su origen en el plexo cervical. 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 Irrigación El nervio auricular mayor proporciona la sensibilidad a través de sus dos ramos terminales: Ramo anterior (ramo facial): proporciona sensibilidad a la piel que recubre las glándulas parótidas. Ramo posterior (ramo mastoideo): proporciona sensibilidad a la piel que recubre la apófisis mastoidea y la cara posterior del oído externo. Frequent questions What is the auricular nerve? The auricular nerve is a sensory nerve in the head and neck that arises from the cervical plexus. It supplies sensation to the skin of the external ear, mastoid process, and parotid gland. What is the origin of the auricular nerve? The auricular nerve originates from the ventral rami of the spinal roots C2 and C3 within the cervical plexus. It emerges near the midpoint of the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle at Erb's point. What areas does the auricular nerve innervate? The auricular nerve provides sensory innervation to the skin covering the external ear, the mastoid process, and the parotid gland. Its two terminal branches, the anterior and posterior rami, serve these specific regions. How does the auricular nerve travel in the neck? The auricular nerve ascends vertically along the sternocleidomastoid muscle, running parallel to the external jugular vein. It branches into anterior and posterior rami at the inferior pole of the parotid gland. What is the clinical significance of the auricular nerve? The auricular nerve is clinically significant as it supplies sensation to key areas such as the external ear and parotid gland. Understanding its pathway and innervation can aid in diagnosing conditions related to ear and facial sensation. Rate This Article