Nerve supply of the ear

The ear receives its nerve supply from both cranial and cervical nerves, ensuring sensation and function in its external, middle, and inner parts. The external ear, including the auricle and external auditory canal, is primarily innervated by the great auricular nerve and lesser occipital nerve (from cervical plexus), and branches from the auriculotemporal nerve (branch of mandibular nerve, CN V3), facial nerve (CN VII), and vagus nerve (CN X). The tympanic membrane has dual innervation: the external surface by the auriculotemporal and vagus nerves, and the internal surface by the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX). The middle ear cavity, including the ossicles and mucosa, is mainly supplied by tympanic branches of the glossopharyngeal nerve. The inner ear, which houses the cochlea and vestibular system, is innervated by the vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII), responsible for hearing and balance. This intricate nerve network allows auditory and equilibrium functions as well as sensation.