The internal (tympanic) surface of the tympanic membrane receives its sensory innervation chiefly from which nerve?

• A Auricular branch of vagus nerve
• B Great auricular nerve
• C Tympanic branch of glossopharyngeal nerve ✓
• D Lesser petrosal nerve

Explanation

The medial (mucosal) surface of the tympanic membrane is supplied by the tympanic branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve (Jacobson's nerve), which forms the tympanic plexus on the promontory. The lateral (skin) surface is supplied mainly by the auriculotemporal nerve with a contribution from the auricular branch of vagus (Arnold's nerve), which also accounts for referred cough from ear syringing. Referred ear pain from pharyngeal lesions travels via this glossopharyngeal connection.

Reference: BD Chaurasia Human Anatomy, Head and Neck, 8th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.