A patient develops herpetic vesicles confined to the concha of the auricle along with ipsilateral lower motor neuron facial palsy. The skin of the concha receives its sensory supply chiefly through which nerve?
- A Auriculotemporal nerve
- B Great auricular nerve
- C Auricular branch of the vagus nerve ✓
- D Lesser occipital nerve
Correct answer: C. Auricular branch of the vagus nerve
Explanation
Arnold's nerve, the auricular branch of the vagus, supplies the concha, the posteroinferior external auditory canal and part of the tympanic membrane; herpes zoster oticus affecting this territory produces vesicles there with facial palsy, since the branch carries fibres of VII via the facial canal. The auriculotemporal nerve supplies the tragus, helix and anterior canal wall, not the concha.
Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 8th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.