Posterior Auricular Artery

Description

Arising from the external carotid artery, the posterior auricular artery ascends posterior to the auricle in the groove between the auricular cartilage and the mastoid process, then divides into auricular and occipital (scalp) branches. Superficial to the posterior belly of the digastric and the upper sternocleidomastoid, it courses superiorly toward the posterior scalp while giving small muscular twigs and cutaneous branches along its path. Adjacent superficial veins track in parallel, and regional sensory nerves are shown crossing the vessel as they fan out over the retroauricular skin. Relationships are clear. Surgeons and proceduralists care about this artery because it sits in the working corridor for postauricular approaches to the mastoid and middle ear, where uncontrolled bleeding can obscure the field quickly. Its auricular branches contribute to the arterial supply of the pinna and retroauricular skin, so damage during otoplasty, tympanomastoid surgery, or incision and drainage of postauricular abscess can compromise wound healing. The vessel also participates in scalp and auricular anastomoses with the occipital and superficial temporal systems, a point that explains both collateral flow patterns and unexpected bleeding during posterior scalp laceration repair. For teaching, the plate supports head and neck anatomy labs, neurovascular worksheets on branches of the external carotid artery, and dermatologic mapping of scalp and auricular perfusion territories. It also suits operative atlases and patient education materials that explain postauricular incisions, mastoidectomy exposure, and flap planning for auricular reconstruction. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.