The great auricular nerve (GAN) is the largest branch of the superficial cervical plexus (see Chapter 60, Fig. 60-1). It provides cutaneous innervation to the periauricular region.¹ The GAN wraps around the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) and then courses superiorly and anteriorly, dividing into anterior and posterior branches.² Because of its superficial location, the GAN can be damaged during surgical procedures in the neck.³ The nerves of the superficial cervical plexus lie deep to the platysma when first emerging from the plexus, but superficial to the prevertebral fascia.

The GAN lies superficial to the lateral border of the SCM and can be traced to the preauricular area or back to the superficial cervical plexus. The lesser occipital nerve has similar anatomy, except that it can be followed behind the ear.