Auriculotemporal Nerve

Description

Running superior to the parotid gland, the auriculotemporal nerve (nervus auriculotemporalis) is traced from the infratemporal fossa to the temporal region, coursing posterior to the neck of the mandible and closely related to the temporomandibular joint. A clear connection is made to the otic ganglion on the medial aspect of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve (V3), where postganglionic parasympathetic fibers join the nerve en route to glandular tissue. Lateral facial landmarks including the external acoustic meatus, auricle, and zygomatic arch orient the nerve’s ascent as it passes with the superficial temporal vessels. Fine topography matters here. Clinically, this nerve is the key conduit for secretomotor innervation to the parotid gland after synapse in the otic ganglion, so it sits at the intersection of salivary physiology and iatrogenic injury during parotidectomy. Its intimate relationship to the TMJ explains why auriculotemporal neuralgia can present as preauricular pain and why temporomandibular disorders may refer symptoms to the temple and external ear. The same anatomic pathway underlies Frey syndrome (gustatory sweating) after parotid surgery, where aberrant reinnervation misroutes autonomic fibers to facial sweat glands. Use this plate for head and neck anatomy teaching in dental, medical, or otolaryngology curricula when you need an accurate map of V3 branches in the parotid and periauricular region. It also supports surgical atlases and consent materials for parotid surgery, TMJ arthroscopy, and regional anesthesia discussions that reference the auriculotemporal nerve and otic ganglion. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.