Question

Which nerve supplies the external ear?

• A. ATN, greater auricular, 7 and 10
• B. Greater auricular, 7 and 10, ATN
• C. 7 and 10, ATN, greater auricular nerve
• D. ATN, 7 and 10, GAN

Hint:

The external ear receives sensory innervation from multiple sources, including branches of the facial and vagus nerves, as well as the auriculotemporal nerve.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The external ear receives its nerve supply from a combination of several nerves. Understanding these contributors aids in grasping the complex innervation pattern involved:

• ATN (Auriculotemporal Nerve): This branch of the mandibular nerve (V3), a division of the trigeminal nerve, plays a significant role in supplying the auricle and external auditory canal.
• Cranial Nerve VII (Facial Nerve): While primarily associated with facial expression, it also supplies some sensory fibers to the external ear.
• Cranial Nerve X (Vagus Nerve): This nerve contributes to the sensation of part of the ear, particularly the external auditory meatus.
• GAN (Greater Auricular Nerve): Originating from the cervical plexus (C2 and C3), it provides sensation to the lower part of the auricle and the area over the mastoid process.

Therefore, the correct nerve supply to the external ear is sourced from ATN, 7 (Facial Nerve), 10 (Vagus Nerve), and GAN. This makes the correct answer: "ATN, 7 and 10, GAN".