Posterior Auricular Muscle, Posterior View

Description

Posterior to the auricle (pinna), the posterior auricular muscle (musculus auricularis posterior) is shown as a small, thin slip running from the mastoid region of the temporal bone toward the posterior aspect of the auricular cartilage. Its fibers course superolaterally, lying superficial to the mastoid process and just posterior to the external ear, with the posterior auricular artery and vein typically in the same superficial plane. Close by, the attachment area relates to the superior portion of the sternocleidomastoid and the occipitalis belly via the epicranial aponeurosis. Small muscle. Clear landmarking. Functionally minor but anatomically instructive, this muscle helps teach the extrinsic auricular muscles as a group (auricularis anterior, superior, and posterior) and their relationship to the scalp musculature. Clinically, the posterior auricular region is relevant during postauricular surgical approaches for mastoidectomy and cochlear implant placement, where superficial dissection crosses the posterior auricular vessels and risks traction or injury to the posterior auricular branch of the facial nerve (CN VII) as it emerges near the stylomastoid foramen and supplies occipitalis and auricular muscles. This view also supports discussion of vestigial auricular movement and the variability in voluntary ear “wiggling” based on retained neuromuscular control. Use this asset for head and neck anatomy teaching in gross anatomy and otolaryngology modules, and for procedural figures that orient learners to the postauricular soft tissues before incision placement behind the helix. It also fits surgical consent materials and atlas plates where a clear posterior ear relationship to the mastoid process matters. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.