Anatomy
Your nerves are complex structures.
They branch out from their starting points, much like tree limbs.
Some of your nerves carry information from your five sensessensory informationto and from your brain.
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Others enable movement motor functionin your muscles and other moving parts.
Some of them provide both sensory and motor function and are thus called mixed nerves.
In your head, you have 12 symmetrical pairs ofcranial nerves.
While the rest of thenerves emerge from the spinal cord, the cranial nerves come directly from your brain.
Both roots are sensory in origin.
After the two roots unite, the auriculotemporal nerve gives off several branches.
The two roots quickly join together.
Inferior Branch
Nerve signals that help the parotid gland produce saliva start in the glossopharyngeal nerve.
The parotid gland is one of three types of salivary glands you have.
From there, several branches arise.
The most common known variation of the auriculotemporal nerve is in its number of roots.
Other variations involve the relationship of the auriculotemporal nerve roots to the middle meningeal artery.
In one case, it formed two loops.
Other research shows that the parotid branch varies in how far it lies from major structures.
Secretory-Motor Function
The single motor function of the auriculotemporal nerves inferior branch deals with the parotid gland.
These fibers stimulate the gland tosecretesaliva, which is where the term secretory-motor comes from.
Saliva also helps prevent cavities by defending your mouth against bacteria.
The mandibular nerve can be compressed by several known anatomical irregularities along its route.
The diagnosis of entrapment is made by physical examination and the injection of a local anesthetic over the nerve.
Conservative treatment can involve antiperspirant on the cheek.
Nerve blocks have been shown effective at reducing pain because of dysfunction of the joint.
This is usually reserved for patients who dont find relief with conservative treatments.
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Trescot AM, Rawner E.Auriculotemporal nerve entrapment.
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