Auricularis Posterior
Ear · Head & Neck
The auricularis posterior is the extrinsic ear muscle that lies behind the auricle. It consists of two or three fleshy slips that arise, via a short aponeurosis, from the mastoid part of the temporal bone and insert onto the ponticulus on the cranial surface of the concha. Its action is to draw the auricle backward. Distinct from the anterior and superior auricular muscles, it is supplied not by the temporal branch but by the posterior auricular branch of the facial nerve (CN VII). Like its companions, it is vestigial in humans.
Origin, Insertion, Action & Nerve
Origin
Mastoid part of the temporal bone (via a short aponeurosis)
Insertion
Ponticulus on the cranial surface of the concha
Action
Draws the auricle backward
Nerve
Posterior auricular branch of facial nerve (CN VII)
Attachments explained
The Auricularis Posterior 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
Mastoid part of the temporal bone (via a short aponeurosis)
Insertion
Ponticulus on the cranial surface of the concha
Action & function
When the Auricularis Posterior contracts, it produces the following movement: Draws the auricle backward.
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 Posterior 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 Auricularis Posterior, impairing the movements it normally produces (draws the auricle backward). This is why knowing the innervation is central to localising nerve lesions in clinical practice.
How to study the Auricularis Posterior (the OIANS method)
Complete the directional trio with the auricularis posterior, the muscle that pulls the ear backward: its origin on the mastoid process behind the ear and its insertion on the concha make that backward pull follow naturally from the geometry. Picturing the three slips running forward from the mastoid to the back of the auricle fixes the action.
The distinguishing fact worth memorising is its innervation: unlike the anterior and superior auricular muscles supplied by the temporal branch, the auricularis posterior is driven by the posterior auricular branch of the facial nerve. This same branch supplies the occipitalis, so grouping the back of the ear with the back of the scalp keeps the posterior facial nerve territory tidy.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Auricularis Posterior located?
The Auricularis Posterior is a muscle of the Ear group, located in the Head & Neck.
What is the origin of the Auricularis Posterior?
Mastoid part of the temporal bone (via a short aponeurosis)
What is the insertion of the Auricularis Posterior?
Ponticulus on the cranial surface of the concha
What movements does the Auricularis Posterior produce?
Draws the auricle backward
What nerve supplies the Auricularis Posterior?
Posterior auricular branch of facial nerve (CN VII)
Is the Auricularis Posterior free to study in OIANS?
The Auricularis Posterior 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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