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Are divided into anterior and posterior. The anterior are of indeterminate number. They arise from the temporal artery, and are distributed to the meatus auditorius externus, and to the pavilion of the ear. The posterior auricular is given off by the external carotid, from which it separates in the substance of the parotid gland. When it reaches the inferior part of the pavilion of the ear it bifurcates; one of its branches being distributed to the inner surface of the pavilion, the other passing over the mastoid process, and being distributed to the temporal and posterior auris muscles, &c. Before its bifurcation it gives off the stylo-mastoid artery. The Anterior and Posterior Auricular Veins open into the temporal and external jugular.