title: Vascular Supply of the Auricle: Anatomical Study and Applications to External Ear Reconstruction.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Reliable reconstructive flaps require convenient vascular supply. Thus, precise description of the vascular patterns of external ear is not completely elucidated.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This anatomical study aims to provide comprehensive data of the arterial network of the auricular region, anastomosis, and patterns of arterial dependence regarding external ear subunits.
  
  
  METHODS
  After dyed latex injections in the external carotid artery, eleven auricles have been carefully dissected to examine the vascular network of the auricular region.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In all cases, the posterior auricular artery (PAA) supplied the cranial side of the auricle, as well as the concha on the lateral side through consistent perforating branches. The superficial temporal artery (STA) network supplied the upper third of the lateral aspect of the auricle. The authors' dissections showed a clear dominance of the PAA supply. However, the two arteries consistently developed anastomoses particularly in the cranial upper third of the auricle.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Consistent branches and anastomoses between the PAA and the STA network provide reliable pedicles for auricular and facial reconstruction.
authors.affiliation: *Department of Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, Nantes, France;†Laboratory of Anatomy, Nantes University Hospital, Nantes, France;‡Department of Dermatology, Nantes University Hospital, Nantes, France.
authors.forename: Michaël
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hénoux
authors.forename: Florent
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Espitalier
authors.forename: Antoine
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hamel
authors.forename: Brigitte
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Dréno
authors.forename: Guillaume
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Michel
authors.forename: Olivier
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Malard
mesh_terms: D001158:Arteries / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D002102:Cadaver; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D004210:Dissection; D054644:Ear Auricle / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D013524:Surgical Flaps