Crura of the Antihelix in a Male Ear, Anterior View

Description

Anteriorly, the auricle is centered on the antihelix as it ascends from the conchal bowl and divides superiorly into the superior and inferior crus (crura anthelicis). Between these two ridges lies the triangular fossa, while the scapha runs lateral to the antihelix and parallels the outer helix along the rim. Inferiorly, the antihelix curves toward the antitragus and concha, with the tragus and intertragic notch positioned more anterior and inferior in the periauricular contour. Clear depiction of the antihelical crura matters because their Y-shaped bifurcation sets the surface landmarks used in otoplasty planning and in describing congenital auricular variants. Deficient antihelical folding or asymmetric crura commonly underlies prominent ear deformity, and surgeons often recreate or refine these ridges with Mustarde mattress sutures placed posteriorly to simulate the native anterior convexities. Surface anatomy here also guides safe placement for conchal cartilage work, helping you anticipate how changes in the concha or scapha translate to visible anterior topography. Use this illustration in head and neck anatomy teaching, plastic surgery and ENT operative atlases, or patient education materials explaining antihelical reconstruction and cosmetic ear reshaping. It also supports documentation of external ear morphology in dysmorphology and craniofacial clinic notes where precise terminology (superior crus, inferior crus, triangular fossa) improves clarity. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.