postauricular

Postauricular describes anything located behind the auricle, the visible part of the external ear. The term is used in anatomy, medicine, and surgical contexts to indicate a location behind the ear.

The postauricular region lies posterior to the ear and includes skin, subcutaneous tissue, and important adjacent structures. It contains the posterior auricular lymph nodes, which drain portions of the scalp, external ear, and eyelids, as well as nearby vessels such as the posterior auricular artery. Sensation in the area is supplied by cutaneous nerves that serve the auricular region.

Clinical relevance includes postauricular lymphadenopathy, where enlarged posterior auricular lymph nodes may accompany infections of the scalp, ear, or eyelids, and can also be seen in systemic conditions. Dermatitis or eczema behind the ear is a common dermatologic presentation in conditions such as seborrheic or atopic dermatitis. Less commonly, swelling in this area can reflect abscess, malignancy, or other pathologies, and may require clinical evaluation.

In surgical and medical practice, a postauricular incision or approach is used to access structures near the temporal bone, such as in otologic or skull-base surgery, cochlear implantation, or certain cosmetic procedures. This approach aims to minimize visible scarring by placing the incision behind the ear.

See also: posterior auricular region; posterior auricular lymph nodes; mastoid; auricle; lymphadenopathy.