Helicis Major
Ear · Head & Neck
The helicis major is one of the small intrinsic muscles of the external ear, situated on the anterior margin of the helix. It arises from the spine of the helix at its anteroinferior border and runs upward to insert on the anterior border of the helix, where the rim becomes horizontal. Like the other intrinsic auricular muscles, it is vestigial in humans, and its only possible effect is to modify the shape of the auricle by tensing the anterior helix. It is supplied by the temporal branch of the facial nerve (CN VII).
Origin, Insertion, Action & Nerve
Origin
Spine of the helix (anteroinferior border)
Insertion
Anterior border of the helix, where it becomes horizontal
Action
Modifies the shape of the auricle (vestigial); tenses the anterior helix
Nerve
Temporal branch of facial nerve (CN VII)
Attachments explained
The Helicis Major 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
Spine of the helix (anteroinferior border)
Insertion
Anterior border of the helix, where it becomes horizontal
Action & function
When the Helicis Major contracts, it produces the following movements: Modifies the shape of the auricle (vestigial); tenses the anterior 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 Helicis Major 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 Helicis Major, 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 Helicis Major (the OIANS method)
Approach the helicis major as one of a set of tiny intrinsic ear muscles named for the part of the auricle they overlie: this one sits along the helix, running up from the spine of the helix to the rim. Because these muscles are vestigial, focus on location rather than on any meaningful action, remembering only that it can tense the anterior helix.
Consolidate the intrinsic ear muscles by their shared facial nerve supply through the temporal branch, and pair the helicis major with the helicis minor as the two small slips associated with the helix. Learning them as a location-based cluster, rather than trying to assign each a distinct function, is by far the most efficient study strategy for this vestigial group.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Helicis Major located?
The Helicis Major is a muscle of the Ear group, located in the Head & Neck.
What is the origin of the Helicis Major?
Spine of the helix (anteroinferior border)
What is the insertion of the Helicis Major?
Anterior border of the helix, where it becomes horizontal
What movements does the Helicis Major produce?
Modifies the shape of the auricle (vestigial); tenses the anterior helix
What nerve supplies the Helicis Major?
Temporal branch of facial nerve (CN VII)
Is the Helicis Major free to study in OIANS?
The Helicis Major 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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