Extrinsic auricular muscles
Musculi auriculares externi
Definition
Extrinsic auricular muscles | |
Origin | Fascia or bone of temporal region |
Insertion | Cartilage of auricle |
Blood supply | Superficial temporal, posterior auricular arteries |
Innervation | Facial nerve |
Actions | Rudimentary in humans (movement of auricle towards sound waves (in animals) |
The extrinsic auricular muscles are three small muscles that connect the auricle (pinna) of the external ear to the scalp and skull. They function to move the auricle slightly, helping to direct the ear or alter its position. Although generally rudimentary in humans, they are well developed and functional in many other mammals, where they help orient the ear toward sound sources.
Note: These are different from the intrinsic auricular muscles which are entirely contained within the auricle connecting one part of the ear cartilage to another.
Muscles in the Group
Auricularis Anterior (Anterior Auricular Muscle)
Auricularis Superior (Superior Auricular Muscle)
Auricularis Posterior (Posterior Auricular Muscle)
Anatomical details
Muscle | Origin | Insertion | Action | Innervation |
Auricularis anterior | Lateral edge of galea aponeurotica (in front of ear) | Helix or front of auricle | Draws the auricle forward | Temporal branch of facial nerve (CN VII) |
Auricularis superior | Galea aponeurotica (epicranial aponeurosis) | Upper part of auricle | Elevates the auricle slightly | Temporal branch of facial nerve (CN VII) |
Auricularis posterior | Mastoid process of temporal bone | Convexity of concha and posterior surface of auricle | Draws the auricle backward | Posterior auricular branch of facial nerve (CN VII) |
Blood supply
Superficial temporal and posterior auricular arteries (branches of external carotid artery)
Innervation
Supplied by branches of the facial nerve (CN VII) including temporal and posterior auricular branches.
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.
