Superior Auricular Muscles, Anterior View

Description

Positioned superior to the auricle, the superior auricular muscle is shown as a thin, sheet-like slip spanning from the epicranial aponeurosis (galea aponeurotica) down toward the superior aspect of the helix and adjacent auricular cartilage. From an anterior perspective, its fibers sit lateral to the temporal region and posterior to the frontal process of the zygomatic bone, framing the external ear against the lateral skull. Portions of the cranial vault, the orbits, nasal aperture, zygomatic arches, maxilla with upper dentition, and the mandibular body provide bony reference for the muscle’s surface location. Subtle tendinous attachment is implied where the muscle blends with the auricular cartilage. Small muscle, clear landmark. The superior auricular muscle belongs to the extrinsic auricular muscles, a group that includes the anterior and posterior auricular muscles and is innervated by branches of the facial nerve (CN VII), most commonly via the temporal branch in this region. This anterior view supports teaching of facial nerve topography over the zygomatic arch and temporal fascia, a practical concern during facelift (rhytidectomy) dissection, temporal artery biopsy incisions, and placement of preauricular surgical approaches where superficial planes can endanger small motor branches. Clinically, most adults demonstrate minimal voluntary auricular movement, so asymmetry here can help contextualize normal anatomic variation and the limited functional deficit expected with partial denervation. Use this illustration for head and neck anatomy labs, facial nerve teaching slides, and surgical anatomy figures that need a clean surface map of the auricle relative to the skull and temporal soft tissues in a male subject. It also suits patient-facing materials explaining preauricular incisions, otoplasty landmarks, or regional nerve injury patterns after temporal lacerations. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.