Corpus: Anterior auricular muscle
Synonym: anterior ear muscle
1. Definition
The auricularis anterior muscle is a small superficial muscle of the head, classified as one of the external ear muscles.
2. Anatomy
The auricularis anterior muscle originates from the lateral edge of the galea aponeurotica and attaches to the anterior part of the helix of the auricle (outer ear).
3. Innervation
The auricularis anterior muscle is innervated by the temporal branches of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII).
4. Function
The auricularis anterior muscle pulls the auricle (pinna) forward. In humans, this function is generally not significant due to the evolutionary regression of the muscle.