{{Short description|Nerve of the head}} {{More citations needed|date=January 2021}} {{Infobox anatomy | Name = Lesser auricular nerve | Latin = Nervus auricularis minor | Image = | Caption = | Image2 = | Caption2 = | IsPartOf = | Components = | Artery = | Vein = }}The '''lesser auricular nerve''' originates from the cervical plexus, composed of branches of spinal nerves C2 and C3.
Therefore, the "Great auricular nerve" is incorrectly named "Greater auricular nerve".<ref> [https://books.google.com/books?id=4qcqDAAAQBAJ&dq=%22lesser+auricular+nerve%22&pg=PA116 Peripheral Nerve Entrapments: Clinical Diagnosis and Management] </ref>
The Great auricular nerve runs posteriorly to the ear, and is "greater," since it provides most of the innervation to the ear: the back of the ear, front of the ear and earlobe. The rest is provided by the auriculotemporal nerve, which supplies the skin anterior to the external auditory meatus.
==References== {{Reflist}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Lesser Auricular Nerve}} Category:Nerves of the head and neck
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