Microscopic anatomy study of artery of auricle for auricle replantation

Objective To provide the anatomical information for auricle replantation. Methods From March, 2016 to March, 2019, a total of 25 fresh adult cadaveric head were used, 20 of these specimens were perfused with plastic and eroded to be vascular cast mold, 5 specimens perfused with red latex for anatomy, then observed the origin, course, diameter and arteries anastomose between branches of the posterior auricular artery (PAA) and superficial temporal artery (STA). Results The main blood supply to the auricle were auricle branches of PAA and STA. The auricle branches of PAA and STA both divided into superior, intermedius and inferior branches, and distributed in the auricle posterior surface and anterior surface, respectively. The auricle branches of PAA running across ear cartilage, distributed in the anterior surface, and anastomosed with auricle branches of STA. The diameters of these branches at the initiating portion were 0.2-0.8 mm. Eighty percent of blood supply to earlobe was from the inferior branches of PAA, and 20% from the STA. Conclusion The auricle branches of PAA played an important role to the auricle replantation. The auricle branches of PAA should be the firstly selected vessle in operation, and the auricle branches of STA be the second choice. Key words: Posterior auricular artery; Superficial temporal artery; Auricle replantation; Microscopic anatomy