Which nerve originates from the cervical plexus rather than the trigeminal nerve?

Which nerve originates from the cervical plexus rather than the trigeminal nerve?

• A. Infraorbital
• B. Supratrochlear
• C. Supraorbital
• D. Great auricular

Answer: (D)

Think about where these nerves come from. The cervical plexus provides several cutaneous nerves to the neck and external ear area. The great auricular nerve comes from the ventral rami of C2–C3 and travels up over the sternocleidomastoid to supply the skin of the parotid region, ear, and angle of the mandible. The other nerves listed are branches of the trigeminal nerve: infraorbital (V2) and the supratrochlear and supraorbital (V1) supply areas of the forehead and midface. So, the nerve originating from the cervical plexus is the great auricular nerve.

Think about where these nerves come from. The cervical plexus provides several cutaneous nerves to the neck and external ear area. The great auricular nerve comes from the ventral rami of C2–C3 and travels up over the sternocleidomastoid to supply the skin of the parotid region, ear, and angle of the mandible. The other nerves listed are branches of the trigeminal nerve: infraorbital (V2) and the supratrochlear and supraorbital (V1) supply areas of the forehead and midface. So, the nerve originating from the cervical plexus is the great auricular nerve.