Sensory supply for skin over angle of jaw is
**Core Concept**
The sensory supply to the skin over the angle of the jaw is provided by nerves that arise from the cervical plexus, a network of nerves originating from the cervical spinal nerves (C1-C4). The cervical plexus is responsible for innervating the skin over the neck and shoulder region, including the area over the angle of the jaw.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The cervical plexus is formed by the ventral rami of the cervical spinal nerves, specifically C1-C4. The skin over the angle of the jaw is innervated by the great auricular nerve, which is a branch of the cervical plexus. The great auricular nerve arises from the cervical plexus and provides sensory innervation to the skin over the parotid gland, the angle of the jaw, and the lower part of the ear. This nerve is responsible for transmitting sensations such as touch, pressure, and temperature from this area to the central nervous system.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** The ophthalmic nerve (V1) is a branch of the trigeminal nerve and is responsible for innervating the skin over the forehead, upper eyelid, and nose. It does not supply the skin over the angle of the jaw.
**Option B:** The mandibular nerve (V3) is also a branch of the trigeminal nerve and is responsible for innervating the skin over the lower face, including the lower lip and chin. It does not supply the skin over the angle of the jaw.
**Option D:** The maxillary nerve (V2) is another branch of the trigeminal nerve and is responsible for innervating the skin over the middle face, including the upper lip and nose. It does not supply the skin over the angle of the jaw.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The great auricular nerve is a branch of the cervical plexus that provides sensory innervation to the skin over the angle of the jaw. This nerve can be injured during procedures such as neck dissections or parotid gland surgery, leading to numbness or loss of sensation over the affected area.
**β Correct Answer: C. Cervical plexus**