Auricularis anterior muscle
Musculus auricularis anterior
- Related terms: Auricularis anterior
Definition
The auricularis anterior (a.k.a. the anterior auricular muscle) is one of the extrinsic auricular muscles that connect the auricle (pinna) of the external ear to the temporal region of the scalp. It is the smallest and most anterior of the three extrinsic auricular muscles.
Auricularis anterior muscle | |
Origin | From the lateral edge of galea aponeurotica (in front of the ear) |
Insertion | Into the spine of the helix or the anterior margin of the auricle. |
Blood supply | Anterior auricular branches of superficial temporal artery |
Innervation | Temporal branch of facial nerve (CN VII) |
Action | Draws the auricle forward, assisting in subtle anterior movement of the external ear. |
References
Gray, H. (2016) Gray’s Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 41st edn. Edited by S. Standring. New York: Elsevier. Chapter 37: External and middle ear, pp. 628.
