Superior Auricular Muscle, Gross Anatomy

Description

Arising from the temporal fascia superior to the auricle, the superior auricular muscle spreads as a thin, fan-shaped slip that courses inferiorly to blend with the superior aspect of the pinna. From this superior perspective, its fibers sit superficial to the temporalis region and lie superior to the external acoustic meatus, with the auricular cartilage and helix forming the lateral contour of the external ear. Posteriorly and inferiorly, adjacent auricular muscles (auricularis posterior and auricularis anterior) are suggested in grey as smaller slips framing the ear’s attachment to the scalp. Small as it is, this muscle matters because it anchors the discussion of extrinsic auricular musculature and the sensory and motor anatomy clustered around the temporal region. Facial nerve motor supply to the auricular muscles (typically via temporal and posterior auricular branches) becomes clinically relevant during parotid surgery, facelift dissection, and repair of scalp lacerations where the subcutaneous plane can expose and potentially injure these fine muscular slips. Otologic and reconstructive work also depends on understanding how the pinna relates to the temporal fascia when planning incision placement and flap elevation. Use this illustration in head and neck anatomy teaching to clarify the relationship between the auricle (pinna), temporal fascia, and superficial muscular layer, or in surgical education materials covering rhytidectomy planes, parotidectomy landmarks, and auricular reconstruction. It also fits well in clinical reference content on facial nerve branching patterns and minor auricular movement deficits after nerve injury. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.