Superior auricular muscle

Superior Auricular Muscle

Superior auricular muscle (shown in red)

The Superior Auricular Muscle is a thin, fan-shaped muscle situated above the ear. It is one of the muscles that make up the auricular muscles group, which also includes the anterior auricular muscle and the posterior auricular muscle.

Anatomy

The superior auricular muscle originates from the galea aponeurotica, a tough layer of dense fibrous tissue which covers the upper part of the cranium. From there, it inserts into the upper part of the auricula and the outer part of the auditory canal.

Function

The primary function of the superior auricular muscle is to move the ear in an upward direction. However, this function is often limited in humans compared to other mammals due to the muscle's small size and the limited mobility of the human ear.

Clinical Significance

While the superior auricular muscle is not typically associated with any specific medical conditions, damage or trauma to the area can potentially impact the muscle's function.

See Also

• Auricular muscles
• Anterior auricular muscle
• Posterior auricular muscle