Auricularis superior muscle
Musculus auricularis superior
- Related terms: Auricularis superior
Definition
The auricularis superior (a.k.a. the superior auricular muscle) is the largest of the three extrinsic auricular muscles. Situated above the auricle, it connects the scalp (via the epicranial aponeurosis) to the upper part of the external ear.
Auricularis superior muscle | |
Origin | From the epicranial aponeurosis (galea aponeurotica) over the temporal region. |
Insertion | Into the upper part of the cranial surface of the auricle, just above the auricular cartilage. |
Blood supply | Posterior auricular artery and anterior auricular branches of the superficial temporal artery. |
Innervation | Temporal branch of facial nerve (CN VII) |
Action | Elevates the auricle slightly; rudimentary in humans (more developed in lower animals). It assists in positioning or stabilizing 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.
