Transverse Muscle of the Auricle
Ear · Head & Neck
The transverse muscle of the auricle is one of the small intrinsic muscles of the external ear. It lies on the cranial (medial) surface of the auricle, arising from the eminence that corresponds to the concha (the eminentia conchae) and passing across to the raised surface over the scapha. In humans it is a vestigial muscle: although it can, in principle, modify the shape of the auricle and slightly retract the helix, it produces no functionally useful movement in most people. Like all the intrinsic and extrinsic ear muscles, it is supplied by the facial nerve (CN VII), specifically by its posterior auricular branch. Its chief interest is anatomical and comparative, reflecting the once-mobile ear of other mammals.
Origin, Insertion, Action & Nerve
Origin
Cranial (medial) surface of the eminentia conchae
Insertion
Cranial surface over the prominence of the scapha
Action
Modifies the shape of the auricle (vestigial); retracts the helix
Nerve
Posterior auricular branch of facial nerve (CN VII)
Attachments explained
The Transverse Muscle of the Auricle is defined first by where it attaches. Its origin is the more fixed anchor, usually the proximal or more stable end that stays put during contraction, while its insertion is the more mobile point that is pulled toward the origin when the muscle shortens.
Origin
Cranial (medial) surface of the eminentia conchae
Insertion
Cranial surface over the prominence of the scapha
Action & function
When the Transverse Muscle of the Auricle contracts, it produces the following movements: Modifies the shape of the auricle (vestigial); retracts the helix.
As part of the Ear group of the Head & Neck, it works alongside neighbouring muscles to generate smooth, coordinated movement and to stabilise the structures it acts on.
Nerve supply & clinical relevance
The Transverse Muscle of the Auricle receives its nerve supply from the Posterior auricular branch of facial nerve (CN VII).
Because a muscle can only contract when its nerve is intact, injury to the Posterior auricular branch of facial nerve can weaken or paralyse the Transverse Muscle of the Auricle, impairing the movements it normally produces (modifies the shape of the auricle (vestigial)). This is why knowing the innervation is central to localising nerve lesions in clinical practice.
How to study the Transverse Muscle of the Auricle (the OIANS method)
Approach the transverse auricular muscle as a member of a small family of vestigial intrinsic ear muscles rather than as a muscle to memorise in isolation. Fix its position by its name and its attachments: it runs transversely on the hidden cranial surface of the auricle, from the eminence of the concha to the surface over the scapha. Knowing that its origin and insertion are both on the back of the cartilage tells you it can only tug the cartilage together, which is why its action is described as merely modifying the shape of the auricle.
Anchor the nerve supply by grouping all ear muscles under the facial nerve (CN VII), here delivered by its posterior auricular branch. Because this muscle is functionally silent in humans, the most testable point is simply that CN VII, not the trigeminal, moves the ear; contrast this with the sensory supply of the auricle, which comes from several nerves. Remembering it as a vestige of the mobile mammalian ear makes both its trivial action and its facial nerve supply easy to recall.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Transverse Muscle of the Auricle located?
The Transverse Muscle of the Auricle is a muscle of the Ear group, located in the Head & Neck.
What is the origin of the Transverse Muscle of the Auricle?
Cranial (medial) surface of the eminentia conchae
What is the insertion of the Transverse Muscle of the Auricle?
Cranial surface over the prominence of the scapha
What movements does the Transverse Muscle of the Auricle produce?
Modifies the shape of the auricle (vestigial); retracts the helix
What nerve supplies the Transverse Muscle of the Auricle?
Posterior auricular branch of facial nerve (CN VII)
Is the Transverse Muscle of the Auricle free to study in OIANS?
The Transverse Muscle of the Auricle is always free to browse. Its full origin, insertion, action and nerve details are open to everyone in the Muscle Directory. Quiz and Flashcard practice for the Head & Neck is part of the one-time Lifetime upgrade, though; only the Upper Limb decks are free to test yourself on.
Related muscles
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