Auricularis Superior
Ear · Head & Neck
The auricularis superior is the largest of the three extrinsic muscles of the external ear and lies directly above the auricle. It is a thin, fan-shaped muscle arising from the epicranial aponeurosis, the galea aponeurotica, and converging to insert on the upper part of the cranial surface of the auricle. Its action is to elevate the auricle. As with the other auricular muscles, it is supplied by the temporal branch of the facial nerve (CN VII), and in humans it is largely vestigial and rarely under voluntary control.
Origin, Insertion, Action & Nerve
Origin
Epicranial aponeurosis (galea aponeurotica)
Insertion
Upper part of the cranial surface of the auricle
Action
Elevates the auricle
Nerve
Temporal branch of facial nerve (CN VII)
Attachments explained
The Auricularis Superior 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
Epicranial aponeurosis (galea aponeurotica)
Insertion
Upper part of the cranial surface of the auricle
Action & function
When the Auricularis Superior contracts, it produces the following movement: Elevates the auricle.
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 Superior 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 Superior, impairing the movements it normally produces (elevates the auricle). This is why knowing the innervation is central to localising nerve lesions in clinical practice.
How to study the Auricularis Superior (the OIANS method)
Within the directional trio of ear muscles, the auricularis superior is the elevator: it descends from the epicranial aponeurosis onto the top of the ear, so its contraction lifts the auricle straight upward. Remembering that it is the largest of the three, sitting on top like a cap, helps you separate it from the smaller anterior and posterior slips.
Fix its nerve as the temporal branch of the facial nerve, the same branch that supplies the auricularis anterior and the frontalis, and note that all three ear muscles are vestigial in humans. Keeping the superior and anterior muscles together under the temporal branch, distinct from the posterior muscle under the posterior auricular branch, is the efficient way to master the group.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Auricularis Superior located?
The Auricularis Superior is a muscle of the Ear group, located in the Head & Neck.
What is the origin of the Auricularis Superior?
Epicranial aponeurosis (galea aponeurotica)
What is the insertion of the Auricularis Superior?
Upper part of the cranial surface of the auricle
What movements does the Auricularis Superior produce?
Elevates the auricle
What nerve supplies the Auricularis Superior?
Temporal branch of facial nerve (CN VII)
Is the Auricularis Superior free to study in OIANS?
The Auricularis Superior 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
Study the Auricularis Superior
Test yourself on Head & Neck muscles with interactive quizzes and flashcards in the free OIANS app.
Quiz yourself → Flashcards Open the OIANS app
Browsing is always free. A one-time Lifetime unlock adds every region's quizzes, flashcards, progress tracking and explore tools.