The origin of the auriculotemporal nerve and its relationship to the middle meningeal artery

Knowledge of the anatomy of the auriculotemporal nerve (ATN) and middle meningeal artery (MMA) in the infratemporal fossa is necessary for assisting concise medical diagnosis and intervention. Current textbook descriptions describe a relationship between these structures that is not reported in previous studies. In addition, no previous studies have reported on symmetry or ethnicity affecting the relationship between these structures. This study aims to provide information on the relationship between the ATN and the meningeal artery in a specific ethnic group to further our understanding of normal morphology in this region. The infratemporal fossae of 19 Caucasian cadaveric heads were dissected bilaterally and the relationship between the ATN and MMA scrutinised. Twenty-five samples were included for analysis, including 6 bilateral (12 sides, 8 female) and 13 unilateral (9 female) specimens. Nerve root contributions to the ATN from the mandibular and inferior alveolar nerve included 8 specimens with 1 root, 12 with 2, 5 with 3, and 1 with 4. Three of six bilaterally dissected specimens had asymmetrical numbers of nerve roots. Two specimens were found with a ‘button hole’ arrangement of the ATN; these did not enclose the MMA. Variation was found both between and within specimens in relation to the relationship between the ATN and MMA. None of the specimens examined demonstrated a morphology that was consistent with common anatomical texts. Findings suggest modern texts require revision in order to accurately describe the relationship between these structures.