The auricularis anterior is one of three auricular muscles (with superior and posterior) that move the external ear in mammals. In humans these muscles are vestigial — only about 20 percent of people can voluntarily move their ears — but they are present as part of the SMAS facial muscle system. The auricularis muscles are used as landmarks in temporal fascia elevation for facelift surgery.
| Origin | Temporal galea aponeurotica and temporoparietal fascia |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Helix of the auricle anteriorly |
| Nerve Supply | Temporal branch of the facial nerve (CN VII) |
| Blood Supply | Superficial temporal artery |
| Actions | Draws the auricle anteriorly and superiorly; Vestigial in humans — most people cannot move their ears voluntarily |
|---|
Though non-functional for ear movement in most humans, the auricularis anterior and superior are included in the frontotemporal SMAS layer elevated during temporal facelift approaches, and their integrity affects the durability of the lift.
The auricular muscles are used as landmarks in posterior auricular nerve block techniques and in parotidectomy approaches where the posterior auricular artery and nerve are identified. The auricularis anterior inserts at the junction of the temporal scalp and the superior helix, marking the superior border of the superficial temporal artery and vein.
The auricularis anterior is not individually palpable as a discrete muscle in most individuals, but ear movement in the rare person who can wiggle their ears confirms its functional preservation.
Temporal branch CN VII injury during facelift producing brow ptosis and loss of the vestigial auricularis muscle function.
