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Raj

19 .While a physician is using a water-filled syringe to expel wax
from the ear canal of an elderly patient, the man suddenly faints.
This event can be explained by the fact that the posterior half of
the external ear canal receives sensory innervation from the
A. auricular branch of the vagus nerve
B. auriculotemporal nerve
C. greater auricular nerve
D. lesser occipital nerve
E. vestibulocochlear nerve

kiddyfriend

A

Part of the ear canal is innervated by the auricular branch of the vagus nerve. If this branch is irritated (water, cotton swab) it can elicit a vaso-vagal syncope. It can also produce tearing and coughing.

Hope it helps.