Helicis Minor
Ear · Head & Neck
The helicis minor is a small intrinsic muscle of the external ear that lies over the crus of the helix. It arises from the anterior rim of the helix, spanning the crus, and inserts onto the crus of the helix itself. As one of the vestigial intrinsic auricular muscles, its only potential action is to modify the shape of the auricle. It is supplied, like the other intrinsic ear muscles, by the temporal branch of the facial nerve (CN VII).
Origin, Insertion, Action & Nerve
Origin
Anterior rim of the helix (over the crus of the helix)
Insertion
Crus of the helix
Action
Modifies the shape of the auricle (vestigial)
Nerve
Temporal branch of facial nerve (CN VII)
Attachments explained
The Helicis Minor 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
Anterior rim of the helix (over the crus of the helix)
Insertion
Crus of the helix
Action & function
When the Helicis Minor contracts, it produces the following movement: Modifies the shape of the auricle (vestigial).
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 Minor 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 Minor, 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 Minor (the OIANS method)
Learn the helicis minor as the companion of the helicis major, both named for the helix and both overlying its anterior part; the minor sits lower, on the crus of the helix, while the major runs along the rim above. Since it is vestigial, its location on the crus is the memorable point rather than any real movement.
Keep it grouped with the other intrinsic auricular muscles under the temporal branch of the facial nerve, and treat the whole set as a name-to-location exercise. Recognising that the helicis minor, helicis major, tragicus, and antitragicus are all small shape-modifying slips of one functional family prevents you from wasting effort assigning them separate purposes.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Helicis Minor located?
The Helicis Minor is a muscle of the Ear group, located in the Head & Neck.
What is the origin of the Helicis Minor?
Anterior rim of the helix (over the crus of the helix)
What is the insertion of the Helicis Minor?
Crus of the helix
What movements does the Helicis Minor produce?
Modifies the shape of the auricle (vestigial)
What nerve supplies the Helicis Minor?
Temporal branch of facial nerve (CN VII)
Is the Helicis Minor free to study in OIANS?
The Helicis Minor 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 Helicis Minor
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