Auricularis Anterior
Ear · Head & Neck
The auricularis anterior is the smallest and most anterior of the three extrinsic muscles of the external ear. It arises from the temporal fascia, in the anterior part of the epicranial aponeurosis, and its fibres converge to insert on the spine of the helix at the front of the auricle. When it contracts it draws the auricle forward and upward. In most people it is vestigial and functionally weak, and it is supplied, like all the auricular muscles, by the temporal branch of the facial nerve (CN VII). It is commonly listed as an anatomical variant.
Origin, Insertion, Action & Nerve
Origin
Temporal fascia (anterior part of the epicranial aponeurosis)
Insertion
Spine of the helix on the anterior part of the auricle
Action
Draws the auricle forward and upward
Nerve
Temporal branch of facial nerve (CN VII)
Attachments explained
The Auricularis Anterior 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
Temporal fascia (anterior part of the epicranial aponeurosis)
Insertion
Spine of the helix on the anterior part of the auricle
Action & function
When the Auricularis Anterior contracts, it produces the following movement: Draws the auricle forward and upward.
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 Auricularis Anterior receives its nerve supply from the Temporal branch of facial nerve (CN VII).
Because a muscle can only contract when its nerve is intact, injury to the Temporal branch of facial nerve can weaken or paralyse the Auricularis Anterior, impairing the movements it normally produces (draws the auricle forward and upward). This is why knowing the innervation is central to localising nerve lesions in clinical practice.
How to study the Auricularis Anterior (the OIANS method)
Learn the three extrinsic ear muscles as a directional trio and let each name give its action: the auricularis anterior pulls the ear forward, the superior pulls it up, and the posterior pulls it back. Its origin from the temporal fascia in front of the ear and its insertion on the spine of the helix make the forward pull obvious.
Because these muscles are vestigial in humans, treat the auricularis anterior mainly as a comparative and exam curiosity, but fix its innervation as the temporal branch of the facial nerve, which it shares with the superior auricular and the scalp muscles. Contrast this with the auricularis posterior, which is supplied by the posterior auricular branch instead, so the front and top of the ear differ in nerve from the back.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Auricularis Anterior located?
The Auricularis Anterior is a muscle of the Ear group, located in the Head & Neck.
What is the origin of the Auricularis Anterior?
Temporal fascia (anterior part of the epicranial aponeurosis)
What is the insertion of the Auricularis Anterior?
Spine of the helix on the anterior part of the auricle
What movements does the Auricularis Anterior produce?
Draws the auricle forward and upward
What nerve supplies the Auricularis Anterior?
Temporal branch of facial nerve (CN VII)
Is the Auricularis Anterior free to study in OIANS?
The Auricularis Anterior 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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