Which nerve provides sensory innervation to the external surface of the tympanic membrane?

Which nerve provides sensory innervation to the external surface of the tympanic membrane?

• A. Lesser occipital nerve
• B. Great auricular nerve
• C. Trigeminal nerve Ophthalmic branch
• D. Auriculotemporal nerve

Answer: (D)

The outer surface of the tympanic membrane is supplied by sensory fibers from the auriculotemporal nerve, a branch of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve (V3). This nerve travels with vessels in the region and provides sensation to the skin over the temporal region, parts of the external ear, and the outer surface of the tympanic membrane. The inner surface, by contrast, is innervated by the tympanic nerve, a branch of glossopharyngeal nerve (IX). The other nerves listed mainly supply skin around the ear or scalp and do not innervate the external surface of the tympanic membrane.

The outer surface of the tympanic membrane is supplied by sensory fibers from the auriculotemporal nerve, a branch of the mandibular division of the trigeminal nerve (V3). This nerve travels with vessels in the region and provides sensation to the skin over the temporal region, parts of the external ear, and the outer surface of the tympanic membrane. The inner surface, by contrast, is innervated by the tympanic nerve, a branch of glossopharyngeal nerve (IX). The other nerves listed mainly supply skin around the ear or scalp and do not innervate the external surface of the tympanic membrane.