Auricular muscles: anatomy around the ear

The auricular muscles are three small muscles that surround the ear: the anterior auricular, the superior and the posterior. In many animals they move the ear to pick up sounds. In humans the action is vestigial: most people cannot control them, and those who can wiggle their ears make only subtle movements.

Where is each muscle?

• Anterior auricular: in front of the ear, in the preauricular region, attached to the temporal fascia.
• Superior auricular: above the ear, the largest of the three, arising from the temporoparietal fascia.
• Posterior auricular: behind the ear, attached to the mastoid process.

All are innervated by branches of the facial nerve. They connect to the set of superficial tissues of the scalp and temple, continuous with the galea aponeurotica, which places them on the same anatomical "floor" as the SMAS in other regions of the face.

What is the relationship with the temporoparietal fascia?

The temporoparietal fascia is a fibrous sheet that covers the temple and continues upward with the galea and downward with the SMAS. The anterior and superior auricular muscles are embedded in this layer. As a result, movements and changes in the region (such as thinning with age) affect this whole set.

The superficial temporal artery runs within or next to this fascia, which has clinical relevance: the preauricular region and the superficial temporal are vascular risk areas in procedures. The auriculotemporal nerve also passes there and supplies sensation to the region.

Why does this come up in HOF?

In the temples, planning depends on understanding the layers: skin, subcutaneous tissue, temporoparietal fascia, deep temporal fascia, fat and the temporalis muscle. The auricular muscles are not targets of procedures, but they serve as a reference for understanding where the fascial planes are and why the region is considered high risk.

How to talk to the patient?

Patients rarely ask about these muscles. What they notice is the area: a hollow temple, thin skin, a more prominent ear. In general it is best to use simple language and avoid terms that cause anxiety.

In Harmy

The Temple marking point simulates filler in the area with the volume in ml entered, seen from the front. The app does not identify muscles or layers of the region. The projection is illustrative.

Also called: muscles of the external ear, extrinsic muscles of the ear.