Corpus: Posterior auricular muscle

The posterior auricular muscle (musculus auricularis posterior) is a facial muscle that belongs to the group of external ear muscles.

The posterior auricular muscle originates from the mastoid process of the temporal bone and attaches to the posterior edge of the ear (auricle). When it contracts, it pulls the auricle backward.

The posterior auricular muscle is innervated by the posterior auricular branch of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII).