Auricularis posterior muscle
Musculus auricularis posterior
- Related terms: Auricularis posterior
Definition
The auricularis posterior muscle (a.k.a. the posterior auricular muscle) is one of the three extrinsic auricular muscles (anterior, superior, and posterior) situated around the external ear.
Auricularis posterior muscle | |
Origin | Mastoid part of the temporal bone (just posterior to the auricle). |
Insertion | Into the posterior surface of the auricle (cartilaginous part of the concha) |
Blood supply | Posterior auricular artery, a branch of the external carotid artery. |
Innervation | Posterior auricular branch of the facial nerve (CN VII) |
Action | Retracts the auricle (pinna) slightly backward; in humans this movement is minimal or vestigial. |
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.
