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Auricularis Posterior Detail

musculus auricularis posterior detail

Auricularis posterior is the most reliably present auricular muscle. Its posterior auricular nerve supply is the first branch of the facial nerve after it exits the stylomastoid foramen.

Nerve: Facial nerve — posterior auricular branch (VII) Blood Supply: Posterior auricular artery Region: Head & Skull

Anatomical Data

Origin, Insertion & Supply

Origin	Mastoid process — lateral surface
Insertion	Posterior surface of the auricle — cranial surface of the concha
Nerve Supply	Facial nerve — posterior auricular branch (VII)
Blood Supply	Posterior auricular artery

Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Actions	Draws the ear posteriorly; The most consistently present of the three auricular muscles

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

The posterior auricular nerve is tested by electromyography to localise facial nerve injuries — its preservation indicates the lesion is distal to the stylomastoid foramen. In otoplasty (ear pinning surgery), the posterior auricular region is dissected and the muscle is identified as a landmark.

Palpation

Not voluntarily contractile in most people. Assessed by EMG for facial nerve localisation.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Posterior Auricular Nerve Testing in Facial Palsy

EMG of auricularis posterior via the posterior auricular nerve to localise the level of facial nerve injury relative to the stylomastoid foramen.