- Origin
- Arises from the posterior division of the mandibular nerve (V3)
- Typically formed by two roots that encircle the middle meningeal artery - Course
- Emerges deep to the lateral pterygoid muscle
- Passes posteriorly between the neck of the mandible and the sphenomandibular ligament
- Ascends superficial to the external auditory canal, deep to the parotid gland, and then over the zygoma toward the temporal region - Branches and Supply
- Sensory branches
- To auricle, external acoustic meatus, and tympanic membrane (external surface)
- To temporal region (anterior auricle and scalp above the auricle)
- Articular branches
- To the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
- Communicating branch
- Carries postganglionic parasympathetic fibres from the otic ganglion (originating from glossopharyngeal nerve via lesser petrosal) to the parotid gland - Functional Components
- General somatic afferent (GSA): sensory to TMJ, auricle, external acoustic meatus, external tympanic membrane, lateral scalp
- Visceral efferent (GVE, parasympathetic): secretomotor to the parotid gland (fibres originate in CN IX, relay in otic ganglion, and travel via auriculotemporal)