Auricularis anterior

Auricularis anterior is a muscle located in the human body, specifically in the region of the ear. It is one of the three auricular muscles, the others being the auricularis superior and the auricularis posterior. These muscles are typically thin and fan-shaped, and they are responsible for the movement of the ear.

Anatomy

The auricularis anterior muscle originates from the temporal fascia, which is a layer of connective tissue that covers the temporalis muscle. From there, it inserts into the front part of the helix, which is the outer rim of the ear.

The muscle is innervated by the facial nerve, which is the seventh cranial nerve. This nerve controls the muscles of facial expression, including the auricular muscles.

Function

The primary function of the auricularis anterior is to move the ear forward. However, the ability to move the ears is not common in humans. This is because the auricular muscles, including the auricularis anterior, are often underdeveloped in humans compared to other mammals.

In other mammals, the auricular muscles play a crucial role in directing the ears towards sources of sound. In humans, these muscles are considered to be vestigial, meaning they have lost their original function through evolution.

Clinical significance

While the auricularis anterior and the other auricular muscles are generally considered to be of minor clinical significance, they can be involved in certain medical conditions. For example, in Bell's palsy, a condition that causes sudden, temporary weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles, the auricular muscles may be affected.

In plastic surgery, knowledge of the auricular muscles, including the auricularis anterior, is important. These muscles may be manipulated during procedures such as otoplasty, which is surgery to change the shape, position, or size of the ears.

See also

• Auricular muscles
• Facial muscles
• Facial nerve