Deep auricular artery

The deep auricular artery is a branch of the maxillary artery. The deep auricular artery pierces the external acoustic meatus. It provides arterial supply to the skin of the external acoustic meatus, and contributes arterial supply to the tympanic membrane, and (via a branch) the temporomandibular joint.

Origin
It is a branch of the (mandibular part of) the maxillary artery. It often arises in common with the anterior tympanic artery.

Course
It ascends  in the substance of the parotid gland, behind the temporomandibular articulation, and pierces the cartilaginous or bony wall of the external acoustic meatus to course between the cartilage and bone. 

Distribution
It supplies its cuticular lining and the outer surface of the tympanic membrane.

It gives a branch to the temporomandibular joint.