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Nerve Supply of Pinna, Types Of Nerves

The greater part of the pinna is innervated by the auriculotemporal and lesser occipital nerves superior to the concha, and by the greater auricular nerve inferolaterally to the lobule. Read the article to know more.
authorImageNivedita Dar25 Nov, 2024
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Nerve Supply of Pinna, Types Of Nerves

Nerve Supply of Pinna: nerve supply to this outer ear structure which helps in collection of sound waves. The pinna, also known as the auricle, is the visible part of the outer ear. It plays an important role in collecting sound waves and directing them into the ear canal. While the pinna is mainly involved in hearing, it is also highly sensitive to touch and pain due to its rich nerve supply. The nerve supply of the pinna is complex, involving multiple nerves that carry sensory information to the brain. Understanding the nerve supply of the pinna is essential for healthcare professionals, as it helps explain various conditions like ear pain, referred pain from other parts of the body, and the effects of nerve damage or injuries in the region.

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Overview of the Pinna

The pinna is the external part of the ear that includes ridges, folds, and depressions. Its main function is to funnel sound waves into the ear canal, but it is also highly sensitive to touch, temperature changes, and pressure. The nerve supply to the pinna allows us to feel sensations like touch or pain in this area. The nerve supply of the pinna comes from multiple sources, which can be divided into: Sensory nerves These nerves carry signals from the pinna to the brain, allowing us to perceive sensations like touch, pain, and temperature. Motor nerves These nerves control the tiny muscles around the pinna, although they are not involved in significant movement in humans. Nerves Supplying the Pinna The sensory nerve supply to the pinna is derived from several different cranial and spinal nerves, each covering different regions of the ear. These include:
  • Great Auricular Nerve
  • Auriculotemporal Nerve
  • Lesser Occipital Nerve
  • Vagus Nerve (Auricular Branch)
  • Facial Nerve
Each of these nerves supplies specific parts of the pinna, and together they provide complete sensation to the outer ear. Great Auricular Nerve The great auricular nerve is the largest nerve supplying the pinna. It originates from the cervical plexus, specifically from the C2 and C3 spinal nerves. This nerve provides sensory innervation to the lower part of the pinna, particularly the lobe and the skin behind the ear. It also innervates parts of the ear’s anterior and posterior surfaces. The great auricular nerve is responsible for detecting touch and pressure in the lower ear region.

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Auriculotemporal Nerve The auriculotemporal nerve is a branch of the trigeminal nerve (cranial nerve V), specifically from its mandibular division (V3). This nerve supplies sensation to the upper part of the pinna, particularly the anterior part near the tragus and helix. It also innervates part of the ear canal and the temporomandibular joint. The auriculotemporal nerve is essential for detecting pain and temperature changes in the upper and anterior regions of the pinna.

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Lesser Occipital Nerve The lesser occipital nerve arises from the cervical plexus and is derived from the C2 spinal nerve. It innervates the upper and posterior part of the pinna, particularly the skin along the back of the ear. The lesser occipital nerve also contributes to the sensation of the scalp near the ear. Damage or irritation to this nerve can cause referred pain in the upper ear region or behind the ear. Vagus Nerve (Auricular Branch) The vagus nerve (cranial nerve X) has a small branch called the auricular branch, also known as Arnold’s nerve, which supplies the external acoustic meatus (ear canal) and a small part of the concha of the pinna. Interestingly, irritation of this nerve can lead to a phenomenon called Arnold’s reflex, where stimulation of the ear canal can trigger coughing. This happens because the vagus nerve is also involved in controlling the cough reflex. The vagus nerve plays a minor role in the sensation of the pinna but is important in understanding ear-related reflexes and referred sensations. Facial Nerve The facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) primarily controls the muscles of facial expression, but it also provides a small amount of sensory input to the concha of the pinna through the posterior auricular branch. While its role in sensory supply is minimal, damage to the facial nerve can affect the muscles near the ear, leading to issues with facial movement and sensation around the ear. Clinical Relevance of the Pinna’s Nerve Supply Understanding the nerve supply of the pinna is important for diagnosing and treating conditions related to ear pain, nerve injury, or referred pain from other areas of the body. Here are some common clinical scenarios where knowledge of the pinna’s nerve supply is useful. Referred Pain: The pinna’s complex nerve supply means that ear pain may not always originate from the ear itself. For example, irritation of the vagus nerve (from throat or digestive issues) can lead to ear pain, as the nerve also innervates part of the pinna. Similarly, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can cause pain in the ear region due to the shared nerve supply from the auriculotemporal nerve.

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Postoperative Pain: After surgeries near the neck or jaw, such as parotid gland surgery, patients may experience pain or numbness in the ear. This is often due to involvement of the great auricular nerve or the auriculotemporal nerve, which are in close proximity to the surgical site. Ear Infections: Infections of the external ear (otitis externa) can cause significant pain, especially if the auriculotemporal or great auricular nerves are irritated. Identifying which part of the ear is affected can help pinpoint the involved nerves. Arnold’s Reflex: Stimulation of the ear canal (cleaning the ear or inserting objects) can sometimes trigger a cough due to the auricular branch of the vagus nerve. This is an example of how the ear’s nerve supply is linked to other body functions. Trauma and Nerve Injury: Trauma to the ear, such as cuts or piercings, can damage the nerves supplying the pinna, leading to loss of sensation or chronic pain in the area. Understanding which nerve is affected can guide treatment and management.

Nerve Supply of Pinna FAQs

What is a caloric test to diagnose vertigo?

A caloric test involves stimulating the inner ear with warm or cold water or air to assess the function of the vestibular system and diagnose vertigo or balance disorders.

What is the function of pinna?

The pinna collects and funnels sound waves into the ear canal, helping with sound localization and enhancing hearing.

Why can’t humans move their pinna?

Humans have small and weak muscles around the pinna, making them incapable of moving it, unlike some animals that can move their ears to detect sounds.

Why is the external auditory canal S-shaped?

The external auditory canal is S-shaped to protect the eardrum from foreign objects and reduce the risk of injury by bending and narrowing its path.
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