Nervus auricularis magnus is a Latin term used in anatomy to refer to one of the major nerves that innervate the human ear. In English, it is translated as the "great auricular nerve." The term "nervus" translates to "nerve," while "auricularis" pertains to the ear, and "magnus" signifies "great" or "big."
The nervus auricularis magnus originates from the cervical plexus, a network of nerves in the neck region. Specifically, it arises from the second and third cervical spinal nerves (C2-C3). It receives contributions from the ventral rami, or anterior branches, of these spinal nerves.
This nerve travels upwards, located superficially along the side of the neck, posterior to the sternocleidomastoid muscle. It then ascends towards the posterior portion of the ear, supplying sensory innervation to various areas. The nervus auricularis magnus provides sensory information to the skin of the auricle (the external ear), the skin overlying the parotid gland (a salivary gland), and the skin near the angle of the mandible, among other regions.
The nerve's sensory fibers carry information relating to touch, temperature, and pain from these areas back to the brain, allowing for perception and responses to sensory stimuli. The nervus auricularis magnus is crucial for the overall sensory innervation and functioning of the ear and adjacent structures.
