Crura of the Male Antihelix

Description

Running along the superior half of the auricle, the antihelix divides into the superior crus and inferior crus (crura of the antihelix), creating a Y-shaped bifurcation that frames the fossa triangularis. The superior crus courses anterosuperiorly toward the helix, while the inferior crus runs more inferoanteriorly, each forming a raised cartilaginous ridge beneath the thin auricular skin. Lateral to these ridges sits the scapha between antihelix and helix, and anteriorly the cymba conchae and cavum conchae deepen toward the external acoustic meatus. Cartilage anatomy, made legible. Recognition of the antihelical crura matters in both congenital and acquired auricular deformity because small changes in cartilage folding alter the apparent projection of the ear and the shape of the upper third. In prominent ear correction (otoplasty), surgeons often recreate or reinforce the antihelical fold with Mustarde sutures placed posteriorly to define the superior and inferior crura, while avoiding contour irregularities that can telegraph through skin. The fossa triangularis also serves as a key surface landmark when planning auricular reconstruction or detailing patient-specific anatomy for procedural consent and education. Use this illustration in head and neck anatomy teaching (auricle surface anatomy and cartilage landmarks), plastic surgery and ENT training materials on otoplasty planning, and medical publishing where precise terminology such as antihelix, crus, and fossa triangularis must be visually unambiguous. It also suits patient-facing clinic handouts explaining how cartilage folds are reshaped to correct prominence or asymmetry in the male external ear. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.