Auricular Branch of Posterior Auricular Artery (Left)
Ramus auricularis arteriae auricularis posterioris
Read moreQuick Facts
Origin: Posterior auricular artery.
Course: Ascend behind the ear.
Branches: None.
Supplied Structures: Auricle and adjacent skin.
Origin
The auricular branch of the posterior auricular artery arises from the posterior auricular artery as it ascends in the groove between the mastoid process of the temporal bone and the cartilage of the ear.
Course
The auricular branch of the posterior auricular artery ascends behind the ear, underneath the auricularis posterior muscle (Gray & Lewis, 1918).
Branches
There are no named branches; however, the auricular branch ramifies and some branches curve around the margin of the cartilage, while others perforate it to reach the anterior surface. The ramifications of the auricular branch anastomosis with the anterior auricular branches and parietal branch of the superficial temporal artery.
Supplied Structures
The auricular branch of the posterior auricular artery supplies the auricle and adjacent skin. Additionally, it contributes to the blood supply to the auricularis anterior, posterior, and superior muscles (Netter, 2011).
References
Gray, H. & Lewis, W. H. (1918) Anatomy of the Human Body. Lea & Febiger.
Netter, F. H. (2011) Atlas of Human Anatomy. Saunders/Elsevier.
Learn more about this topic from other Elsevier products
Posterior Auricular Artery
The posterior auricular artery arises from the back of the external carotid artery above the posterior belly of the digastric muscle.
