Nociceptoreja

Nociceptoreja is a neologism combining nociceptor, the sensory receptor that detects tissue-damaging stimuli, with oreja, the Spanish word for ear. The term is not widely adopted in peer-reviewed journals; in most texts ear pain is discussed in terms of nociception by ear innervation rather than a distinct entity. When used, nociceptoreja refers to the collective nociceptive apparatus of the external ear and middle ear.

Anatomy and innervation: The external auditory canal and the auricle are densely innervated by somatic sensory nerves, particularly the auriculotemporal branch of the trigeminal nerve and contributions from the great auricular nerve, which provide pain sensation for skin injury, inflammation, or thermal/mechanical insult. The tympanic membrane also contains free nerve endings functioning as nociceptors. The middle ear mucosa is innervated by branches of the glossopharyngeal nerve forming the tympanic plexus, with other sensory input reaching the ear through the auricular branches of the vagus and facial nerves in some regions. The nociceptor population includes free nerve endings with myelinated A-delta fibers (fast, sharp pain) and unmyelinated C fibers (dull, burning pain).

Physiology: Nociceptor activation triggers transmission of electrical signals via primary afferent neurons to brainstem and higher centers, generating the sensation of ear pain and initiating reflexes such as blinking or ear-flinching and autonomic responses. TRP channels and other transduction mechanisms contribute to chemical and thermal nociception.

Clinical relevance: Ear pain is a common symptom of otitis externa, otitis media, barotrauma, and trauma to the ear. Understanding ear nociception supports diagnosis and pain management.

Note: The term remains informal; formal understanding is anchored in the broader study of otologic nociception and ear innervation.