Helicis minor muscle

The helicis minor muscle is a small, intrinsic auricular muscle responsible for shaping the anterior margin of the ear.

Summary

• origin: base of the helix of the ear

• insertion: anterior helix

• blood supply: branches of the facial arteries

• innervation: posterior and temporal auricular nerves of the facial nerve (CN VII)

• action: shaping the anterior margin of the ear

Gross Anatomy

Origin

The helicis minor muscle is part of the intrinsic auricular muscles, originating from the crus of the base of the helix of the ear.

Insertion

The helicis minor muscle inserts into the anterior helix of the ear.

Relations

The helicis minor muscle is located in close relation to the other intrinsic auricular muscles, such as the helicis major, tragus, and antitragus muscles.

Arterial supply

Blood supply to the helicis minor muscle is primarily provided by the anterior auricular branches of the superficial temporal artery and the posterior auricular branch of the external carotid artery ¹.

Venous drainage

Venous drainage of the helicis minor muscle involves the pterygoid plexus, external jugular vein, and maxillary vein. The anterior and posterior drainage systems flow into the parotid and mastoid lymph nodes, respectively.

Innervation

The helicis minor muscle is innervated by the posterior and temporal auricular nerves, which are branches of the facial nerve (CN VII).

Action

The primary function of the helicis minor muscle is to shape the anterior margin of the ear.

Development

The helicis minor muscle derives from the second pharyngeal arch during embryonic development ².

History and etymology

The term "helicis minor" is derived from the Latin word "helix," which refers to the curved rim of the auricle, and the term "minor" to indicate its smaller size compared to the helicis major muscle.

Clinical importance

The helicis minor muscle has potential clinical importance in modulating the mesencephalic locomotor region, indirectly influencing posture and gait ³.