Anterior Auricular Muscle, Anterior View

Description

Situated on the lateral aspect of the temporal region, the auricularis anterior (anterior auricular muscle) lies immediately anterior to the root of the auricle (pinna), superficial to the temporalis fascia and superior to the level of the tragus. From an anterior perspective, its short fascicles run posteriorly toward the anterior margin of the helix and superior crus, placing it medial to the skin of the temple and lateral to the temporal fascia. The illustrated auricle provides key landmarks, including the helix, antihelix, concha, and lobule, with adjacent scalp and temporal soft tissues giving orientation. Fiber direction is the point. Small extrinsic auricular muscles are easy to miss in standard head and neck plates, yet they matter when you teach layered facial dissection or plan incisions around the preauricular region. The auricularis anterior receives facial nerve (CN VII) motor supply via temporal branches, so its position helps frame discussions of iatrogenic nerve injury during facelift (rhytidectomy), parotidectomy approaches that extend superiorly, and repair of preauricular lacerations. Its fascial plane relationship to the superficial temporal vessels and the temporoparietal fascia also makes it a practical landmark when elevating skin flaps over the temple. Ideal for gross anatomy lab guides, otoplasty and rhytidectomy teaching files, and medical publisher figures that need accurate naming of the extrinsic auricular muscles (auricularis anterior, superior, and posterior) around the pinna in a male model. It also fits ENT and plastic surgery patient education materials that explain why ear movement is limited and how local incisions relate to facial nerve pathways. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.