The auricularis superior is the largest of the three extrinsic ear muscles, arising from the temporal fascia and galea aponeurotica and inserting into the top of the auricular cartilage. As with the other auricular muscles, voluntary control is absent or vestigial in most humans, though some individuals can voluntarily move all three ear muscles. The muscle is innervated by the temporal branch of the facial nerve.
| Origin | Temporal fascia and galea aponeurotica above the auricle |
|---|---|
| Insertion | Superior surface of the auricular cartilage at the cranial convexity |
| Nerve Supply | Temporal branch of the facial nerve (CN VII) |
| Blood Supply | Superficial temporal artery |
| Actions |
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It elevates the ear slightly, and like the other auricular muscles it is rudimentary in most people.
The auricularis superior is relevant in facial anatomy primarily because its temporal nerve supply and relationship to the temporoparietal fascia make it a structure encountered during temporal craniotomies, endoscopic brow lifts, and facial nerve mapping procedures. In total parotidectomy with facial nerve dissection, the temporal branch supplying this muscle is identified and preserved. Electromyographic recording from the auricularis superior assesses temporal branch function during intraoperative facial nerve monitoring.
Rarely palpable in isolation; can be felt as a slight tension above the ear during voluntary ear movement in those who retain this ability.
Injury to the temporal branch of the facial nerve during forehead or temporal surgery produces weakness of the auricularis superior and frontalis, causing brow ptosis and loss of forehead wrinkling that is particularly noticeable and cosmetically significant.
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