Final answer:
The greater auricular nerve is found lateral to the external jugular vein and is involved in providing sensory innervation to certain areas of the head and neck.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nerve that is typically found lateral to the external jugular vein is the greater auricular nerve. The greater auricular nerve runs superficially and parallel to the external jugular vein and is responsible for providing sensory innervation to the skin over the parotid gland, mastoid process, and surrounding areas of the ear and neck.
It's important to note that the external jugular vein is a significant structure in the neck that drains blood from the more superficial portions of the head, scalp, and cranial regions into the subclavian vein. Meanwhile, the internal jugular vein is responsible primarily for draining blood from the brain, receiving the superficial facial vein, and emptying into the subclavian vein as well.