Auriculotemporal nerve: sensation of the temple and ear
Quick facts
- Definition
- Sensory branch of the mandibular nerve (V3) that ascends in front of the ear, alongside the superficial temporal artery.
- Area
- Skin of the temple, front of the ear and preauricular region, plus structures of the temporomandibular joint.
- Particularity
- Also carries parasympathetic fibers to the parotid gland.
- Relevance in HOF
- Explains sensations in the temple and guides caution in the preauricular region.
The auriculotemporal nerve is a branch of the mandibular nerve, the third division of the trigeminal nerve (V3, see mandibular nerve). It arises deep, near the base of the skull, wraps around the neck of the mandible and ascends in front of the ear, accompanied by the superficial temporal artery, until it reaches the temple.
What does it supply?
It is essentially a sensory nerve. Its fibers supply sensation to:
- the skin of the temporal region;
- the front of the ear and the external auditory canal;
- the preauricular region;
- structures of the temporomandibular joint.
In addition, the auriculotemporal carries parasympathetic fibers to the parotid gland, which regulate saliva secretion. This connection explains a known clinical phenomenon, Frey syndrome, in which, after injury or surgery in the parotid region, sweating and flushing can occur in the preauricular region when eating.
Why does this matter in HOF?
The temporal region is heavily treated in harmonization, mainly in cases of volume loss. It is also a region with multiple vascular and nerve structures. Among them, the auriculotemporal accompanies the superficial temporal artery, which means the two courses are close and can be affected by procedures or by swelling.
Symptoms reported by the patient, such as tingling, numbness or pain in the temple and ear region, can be related to this nerve or to the neighboring zygomaticotemporal nerve. Mapping the sensation helps locate the problem.
How to tell it apart from other nerves in the area?
It helps to have a simple mental map:
| Nerve | Type | Main region |
|---|---|---|
| Auriculotemporal (V3) | Sensory | Posterior temple, anterior ear |
| Zygomaticotemporal (V2) | Sensory | Anterior temple, lateral forehead |
| Temporal branch of the facial (VII) | Motor | Muscles of the forehead and eye |
Mixing up motor and sensory is a common mistake. Loss of forehead or eyebrow movement calls for assessing the facial nerve (see temporal branch of the facial nerve); loss of sensation points to the trigeminal nerves.
How to advise the patient?
In Harmy
The Temple marking point simulates filler in the area with the volume in ml entered, seen from the front. The app does not represent nerves or arteries. The projection is illustrative, and the professional takes the neurovascular structures of the temple into account in the clinic.
Also called: auriculotemporal nerve of V3, N. auriculotemporalis.
Frequently asked questions
Is the auriculotemporal nerve motor?
No. It is sensory to the skin of the temple and ear, with parasympathetic fibers to the parotid. Facial expression is controlled by the facial nerve, which is a different nerve.