skip to main content

External Ear Innervation — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardAnatomy (Head & Neck)External Ear InnervationMFDS Part 1

When mapping the principal cutaneous sensory innervation of the auricle (pinna), excluding the external acoustic meatus and tympanic membrane, which pair accounts for most of the lateral auricular surface?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D — Great auricular nerve (C2–C3) and auriculotemporal nerve (V3)

The principal sensory nerves of the auricle are the great auricular nerve from the cervical plexus (C2–C3) and the auriculotemporal branch of V3. The great auricular nerve predominates, particularly over the posterior and inferior auricle and lobule, while the auriculotemporal nerve supplies much of the anterior and superior lateral surface. The lesser occipital nerve supplies a smaller superior-posterior territory. The auricular branch of the vagus and a small, variable facial contribution are more relevant around the concha and external acoustic meatus, rather than accounting for most of the pinna. The glossopharyngeal nerve contributes to middle-ear and tympanic sensory pathways, not the principal cutaneous supply of the auricle. The hypoglossal nerve is purely motor.

Reference: Peuker ET, Filler TJ. The nerve supply of the human auricle. Clinical Anatomy. 2002;15(1):35–37. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11835542/