Caudal auricular nerve
Nervus auricularis caudalis
Definition
The caudal auricular nerve, double in the dog, originates at the stylomastoid foramen, near the internal auricular branch and the digastric branch. It runs dorso-caudally under the parotid gland and then divides into several branches that merge with the occipital major and great auricular nerves (coming from the second cervical nerve). This ensemble forms a loose plexus called "caudal auricular plexus".
It is the motor of the caudal auricular muscles, as well as the stylo-auricular and occipital muscles.
The sensory fibers brought by the second cervical nerve supply the skin of the cervical region and the back of the ear.
References
Constantinescu GM, Schaller O. Illustrated veterinary anatomical nomenclature, 3rd Edition, Enke Verlag, Stuttgart, 2012.
Barone R, Simoens P. Anatomie comparée des mammifères domestiques, Tome 7, Neurologie II, Vigot, Paris, 2010.
