Get Started
Home › Basics › Superior auricular muscle

Superior auricular muscle

Medically Reviewed by Anatomy Team

  • Last updated on January 16, 2025

Table of Contents

Location

The superior auricular muscle is a small muscle located in the head and neck region. It is located in the posterior region of the ear, near the base of the skull. The superior auricular muscle is one of the muscles of facial expression, and is part of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) system.[3]

Structure

The superior auricular muscle is a small, triangular-shaped muscle that arises from the posterior border of the parietal bone and the superior nuchal line of the occipital bone.[2] It inserts into the skin and superficial fascia of the ear and the scalp. [4]The superior auricular muscle is innervated by the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII).

Function

The main function of the superior auricular muscle is to move the ear and the scalp. It can help to lift the ear and the scalp, or it can help to pull the ear and the scalp backwards. The superior auricular muscle also plays a role in facial expression, as it can help to create wrinkles in the scalp and forehead region when it contracts.[5]

Clinical Significance

The superior auricular muscle may be clinically significant in a few different ways. One potential issue is that the superior auricular muscle may be involved in the development of facial wrinkles and lines, particularly in the scalp and forehead region.[1] This may be of concern to some individuals who are interested in maintaining a youthful appearance.

Additionally, the superior auricular muscle may be affected by certain medical conditions, such as Bell’s palsy, which is a type of facial paralysis that can result from damage to the facial nerve.[8]In such cases, the superior auricular muscle may be weakened or paralyzed, leading to problems with facial expression and ear movement.[6]

References

  1. Gray, H., Standring, S., Ellis, H., & Berkovitz, B. (2008). Gray’s Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice (40th ed.). Churchill Livingstone. ISBN 978-0443066849.
  2. Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2017). Clinically Oriented Anatomy (8th ed.). Wolters Kluwer Health. ISBN 978-1496347213.
  3. Drake, R. L., Vogl, W., & Mitchell, A. W. M. (2023). Gray’s Anatomy for Students (4th ed.). Elsevier Health Sciences. ISBN 978-0323761833.
  4. Snell, R. S. (2019). Clinical Anatomy by Regions (10th ed.). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. ISBN 978-1975116874.
  5. Netter, F. H., Hansen, J. T., & Colacino, S. (2018). Netter’s Atlas of Human Anatomy (8th ed.). Elsevier. ISBN 978-0323548281.
  6. Rohen, J. W., Yokochi, C., & Lütjen-Drecoll, E. (2021). Color Atlas of Anatomy: A Photographic Study of the Human Body (9th ed.). Wolters Kluwer. ISBN 978-1975151349.
  7. Last, R. J., McMinn, R. M. H., & Ternouth, J. H. (2020). Last’s Anatomy: Regional and Applied (12th ed.). Churchill Livingstone. ISBN 978-0702079266.
  8. Bergman, R. A., Afifi, A. K., & Heidger, P. M. (2021). Atlas of Human Anatomy in Cross Section (2nd ed.). Urban & Schwarzenberg. ISBN 978-3540412048.