A 35-year-old presents after a blow to the auricle with a collection between perichondrium and cartilage. Which vessel supplies the auricular cartilage and explains why avascular necrosis can complicate untreated auricular hematoma?

• A Posterior auricular artery directly perfuses cartilage
• B Auricular cartilage is avascular and receives nutrition via perichondrium ✓
• C Superficial temporal artery branches enter cartilage directly
• D Anterior auricular arteries form an intrinsic network within cartilage

Explanation

Auricular cartilage is entirely avascular; it receives all nutrients by diffusion from the overlying perichondrium. When a hematoma separates the perichondrium from cartilage, nutrient diffusion is interrupted, leading to ischemic necrosis and subsequent fibrosis/calcification producing the 'cauliflower ear' deformity. Prompt drainage within 24–48 hours and compression dressing prevents this complication. The posterior auricular and superficial temporal arteries supply only the overlying skin and perichondrium, not the cartilage itself.

Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.