Question

Stimulation of the external auditory canal leads to cough due to which nerve

• A. Auricular branch Vagus
• B. Greater auricular nerve
• C. Auriculotemporal nerve
• D. Facial Nerve

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Stimulation of the external auditory canal can lead to a cough reflex. This phenomenon is attributed to the presence of nerve fibers in the ear canal that connect to the coughing pathway. The main nerve responsible for this is the auricular branch of the vagus nerve, often referred to as Arnold's nerve.

The external auditory canal is innervated by several nerves:

• The auricular branch of the vagus nerve: This nerve provides sensory innervation to the ear canal. Its stimulation can lead to a reflex cough, known as the ear-cough reflex or Arnold's reflex, due to its intimate connection with the cough center of the brain.
• The greater auricular nerve: Primarily supplies the outer ear and is not associated with the reflex cough.
• The auriculotemporal nerve: A branch of the trigeminal nerve that supplies sensory fibers to the ear, but is not involved in the coughing reflex.
• The facial nerve: Mainly provides motor innervation to the muscles of facial expression rather than sensory innervation to the ear canal.

In conclusion, stimulation of the external auditory canal leading to a cough is primarily due to the auricular branch of the vagus nerve.