Corpus: Posterior auricular artery

The posterior auricular artery is a small branch of the external carotid artery.

The posterior auricular artery originates just above the digastric and stylohyoid muscles, opposite the apex of the styloid process. It ascends along the styloid process, running beneath the posterior part of the parotid gland, and lies between the ear cartilage and the mastoid process of the temporal bone.

• Auricular branch: Supplies the earlobe and auricle, forming numerous anastomoses with the anterior auricular branches of the superficial temporal artery
• Occipital branch: Supplies the scalp behind the ear
• Stylomastoid artery : Terminal branch
• Posterior tympanic artery: Supplies the tympanic cavity; may also branch from the stylomastoid artery
• Pharyngeal branches: Supply the pharynx
• Parotid branch: Supplies the parotid gland
• Mastoid branches: Supply the mastoid air cells
• Stapedial branch: Supplies the stapedius muscle

The posterior tympanic artery can also be a secondary branch of the stylomastoid artery.

The posterior auricular artery supplies blood to parts of the auricle, the scalp behind the ear, and portions of the eardrum.