Detailed Anatomy Showing the Crura of the Male Antihelix, Lateral View

Description

Arising from the antihelix, the superior and inferior crura (crura antihelicis) diverge anteriorly toward the root of the helix, defining the triangular fossa between them while the scaphoid fossa lies lateral to the antihelix along the helix. The concha sits inferior and anterior to this fork, bordered by the crus helicis and leading into the external acoustic meatus. Posteriorly, the antihelix slopes toward the postauricular surface where the auricle meets the mastoid region. Cartilage relief is the point. Attention to the antihelical crura matters when you need reliable surface landmarks on the lateral auricle, because small variations in the superior crus and triangular fossa contour influence both aesthetic goals and complication risk in otoplasty. Surgeons often place Mustarde mattress sutures to recreate or strengthen the antihelical fold, and the intended curvature depends on precisely where the crura originate and split. This same topography guides placement of auricular incisions and helps avoid contour deformities such as sharp edges, suture extrusion, or overcorrection with a constricted look. Use this lateral-view ear anatomy in head and neck anatomy teaching, facial plastic surgery and otolaryngology lectures, and textbooks illustrating auricular surface anatomy and operative landmarks for prominent ear correction. It also suits patient-education materials explaining antihelix formation, conchal setback, and the relationship of the triangular fossa to the helix and concha. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.